“Wrong guy, wrong move — now the whole city’s paying the price.”
A routine day turned into a legal nightmare for an innocent warehouse worker after a police officer aggressively detained and assaulted him — mistaking him for a suspect in a completely unrelated case. The officer’s actions, caught on bodycam and widely circulated online, have now cost the police department a staggering $2.5 million in a civil settlement.
What Happened
The incident took place earlier this year when Officer Daniel Rourke responded to a call about a robbery suspect fleeing into an industrial area. Upon arrival, Rourke spotted 27-year-old Jamal Reid, who was on his lunch break outside the warehouse where he works. Despite no matching description — and no sign Reid had done anything wrong — the officer immediately drew his weapon, forced Reid to the ground, and placed him in cuffs without explanation.
Bodycam footage shows Reid repeatedly asking, “What did I do?” and identifying himself as a worker at the site, but Rourke continued the aggressive detainment. Several minutes later, dispatch confirmed that the actual suspect had been caught two blocks away.
Aftermath and Lawsuit
Reid, who suffered injuries to his wrists and shoulder during the altercation, filed a civil rights lawsuit citing unlawful detention, excessive force, and emotional trauma. His attorney argued that the officer violated multiple department protocols and failed to follow basic identification procedures.
Rather than fight the case in court, the city agreed to a $2.5 million settlement, avoiding a potentially even larger payout if a jury had been involved.
No Accountability?
Shockingly, Officer Rourke has not been fired, though he was placed on administrative leave pending internal review. Public outcry continues to grow, with civil rights groups demanding stronger consequences and systemic reform.
“This isn’t just about one bad officer,” said a spokesperson for the local NAACP chapter. “This is about a department that empowers reckless behavior and doesn’t hold its own accountable — until it hits their wallet.”
Viral Video Reaction
The bodycam video — now posted in the first comment of the original viral thread — has racked up millions of views and ignited debate across social media. Many users are calling it a clear example of policing gone wrong, with one user writing:
“He was calm, respectful, and doing nothing wrong. That officer saw skin color, not a suspect.”
