Pittsburgh Police Sued Over Tasing of Autistic Man on Porch

Federal lawsuit alleges officers used excessive force and violated constitutional rights during 2024 incident.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:05pm

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A new federal lawsuit is accusing Pittsburgh police of using excessive force and violating the constitutional rights of a 24-year-old autistic man during a February 2024 encounter at his aunt's home in the West End. The complaint alleges officers surrounded the man, wrestled him to the ground, and deployed a Taser, despite neighbors informing them that he was autistic. The lawsuit seeks damages and calls for stronger police training on responding to calls involving neurodivergent individuals.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns over police use of force, particularly against vulnerable populations like those with mental health or developmental disabilities. It comes as Pittsburgh continues to grapple with the fallout from other high-profile Taser-related incidents, fueling demands for clearer policies and better training around crisis response.

The details

According to the federal lawsuit, on February 22, 2024, Pittsburgh police officers surrounded Kevin Matthew Dunn on his aunt's porch, wrestled him to the ground, pressed a knee into his back, and deployed a Taser. The complaint alleges the officers' actions violated Dunn's constitutional rights, including protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. The lawsuit names four officers and the City of Pittsburgh Police Bureau as defendants, arguing the department failed to properly train and supervise officers on de-escalating encounters with autistic individuals.

  • The incident occurred on February 22, 2024.
  • The federal lawsuit was filed on February 20, 2026.

The players

Kevin Matthew Dunn

A 24-year-old autistic man who was the victim of the alleged excessive force incident.

Officers Seth A. Tessmer, Jordan M. Price, Anthony F. Rosato, and Commander Raymond Rippole

Pittsburgh police officers named as defendants in the federal lawsuit.

City of Pittsburgh Police Bureau

The police department named as a defendant in the lawsuit, accused of failing to properly train and supervise officers.

James Tallman

The attorney representing the plaintiff in the federal lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“The encounter was terrifying and continues to affect his client.”

— James Tallman, Plaintiff's attorney

What’s next

The case will now proceed through the federal court system, with the parties expected to seek evidence like body camera footage and training materials during the discovery process.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges around police use of force, particularly when responding to calls involving individuals with mental health or developmental disabilities. It underscores the need for improved training and policies to ensure officers can de-escalate such encounters safely and without resorting to excessive force.