Detroit Woman Files $25M Lawsuit After Police Shooting

Tracey Allen alleges excessive force and unconstitutional policing during a traffic stop that left her shot six times.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:31am

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A Detroit woman named Tracey Allen has filed a $25 million lawsuit against the city and a police officer after she was shot six times during a traffic stop. Allen claims she was unarmed and asked for a supervisor, but was instead pepper-sprayed and shot while trying to drive away. The police chief has acknowledged policy violations in the incident, including shooting at a moving vehicle.

Why it matters

This lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns about police use of force, particularly against Black citizens, and the need for better de-escalation training and accountability measures. It also raises questions about the initial police narrative versus the evidence that later emerged.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Allen was pulled over for traffic violations and told officers she was scared, asking for a supervisor. Instead, a backup officer arrived and Allen was pepper-sprayed and shot six times as she tried to drive away. Video footage shows the officers boxing in Allen's vehicle before the shooting. The police chief later acknowledged policy violations, including shooting at a moving vehicle, and the officer involved was suspended.

  • On February 5, 2026, Tracey Allen and her attorney are expected to hold a press conference to announce the $25 million lawsuit.
  • In October 2025, the police chief initially said Allen refused to provide her license and registration, but later said she did provide them and a supervisor should have been called.
  • In early November 2025, the officer involved was suspended without pay after a Police Commissioner's meeting.

The players

Tracey Allen

A Detroit woman who was shot six times by a police officer during a traffic stop, and is now filing a $25 million lawsuit against the city and the officer.

Chief Todd Bettison

The Detroit Police Chief who acknowledged policy violations in the shooting of Tracey Allen, including shooting at a moving vehicle.

Detroit Police Department (DPD)

The police department being sued by Tracey Allen over the shooting incident.

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What they’re saying

“I was terrified — I believed I was going to be killed. I kept asking for help and was shot over and over again.”

— Tracey Allen

“We do not shoot at moving vehicles unless it is an extreme circumstance where life is in jeopardy. She did give her license, she did give her registration, her insurance was on her phone...if a supervisor had been called, I don't think it would've went this way.”

— Chief Todd Bettison, Detroit Police Chief

What’s next

The judge will decide on whether to allow the $25 million lawsuit to proceed against the city of Detroit and the police officer involved in the shooting of Tracey Allen.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing need for police reform, de-escalation training, and accountability measures to prevent excessive use of force, especially against Black citizens. It also underscores the importance of thorough investigations and transparency when police-involved shootings occur.