In April 2020, a tense situation unfolded in Aurora, Colorado, when police officers pulled over a man, Teddy Pittman, with guns drawn. The incident occurred during a joint operation between the Aurora Police Department, Denver Police, and the Department of Corrections, who were searching for a fugitive described as Black.
The officers, mistakenly believing Pittman was the fugitive they were looking for, ordered him out of his vehicle at gunpoint. Pittman complied with the officers’ commands, keeping his movements deliberate to avoid escalating the situation.
Police Misidentify Pittman as a Fugitive
At the time of the stop, the officers were unaware that Pittman was not the man they were searching for. They had been provided with a vague description that matched Pittman’s race, leading to the mistaken identity. As the situation unfolded, Pittman maintained his composure despite the apparent danger, which his attorney later described as exemplary control under stress.
Alleged Gun in Pittman’s Vehicle
As the officers continued to investigate, one of them claimed to have found a gun inside a Crown Royal bag in Pittman’s car. However, this claim was later contradicted by court records, which indicated that no firearm was ever discovered in the bag.
Instead, the bag contained a large amount of loose change. Despite not finding a weapon or any evidence linking Pittman to the fugitive, the officers continued to hold him at gunpoint while they ran his information through their systems.
No Warrants Found
After running Pittman’s name through their computers, the officers determined that he had no outstanding warrants and was not the person they were seeking. One of the officers informed a fellow Aurora police officer that Pittman was not their target.
Despite this realization, the officers chose to issue Pittman a traffic ticket before releasing him. The ticket was for a suspended license and an improper left turn. Following this, Pittman was allowed to leave the scene.
Dismissal of the Traffic Ticket
After being issued the traffic citation, Pittman filed complaints regarding the incident. Upon review, a judge dismissed the ticket in “the best interest of justice,” acknowledging the troubling nature of the circumstances under which the ticket was issued. The dismissal of the ticket was seen as a minor victory for Pittman, who had been unjustly detained and cited.
Filing of Lawsuit Against Multiple Agencies
In response to the incident, Pittman, through his attorney, filed a lawsuit against the Aurora Police Department, Denver Police Department, and the Department of Corrections. The lawsuit alleges excessive force and racial profiling, arguing that the officers’ actions were irresponsible and unnecessarily aggressive.
Pittman’s attorney highlighted that the police “went nuclear on use of force” despite the lack of evidence that Pittman was a threat.
Context of the Incident and Racial Profiling Concerns
The stop occurred just a few months after the death of Elijah McClain, a high-profile case that had brought significant scrutiny to the Aurora Police Department. McClain’s death had led to an independent investigation, which found that the Aurora Police Department had a pattern and practice of racially biased policing and excessive force. This broader context added weight to Pittman’s claims of racial profiling.
Previous Similar Incidents
Pittman’s case is not an isolated incident. In the same year, another controversial event involved Aurora police officers pointing guns at a Black mother and several children after mistakenly identifying their vehicle as stolen.
This incident also led to public outrage and legal actions, further fueling concerns about racial bias and the use of excessive force by the Aurora Police Department.
Pending Litigation and Lack of Comment from Agencies
As of now, the lawsuit filed by Pittman against the Aurora Police, Denver Police, and the Department of Corrections is still pending. None of the agencies involved have provided comments on the case, citing the ongoing litigation as the reason for their silence.
The outcome of Pittman’s lawsuit may have significant implications, particularly in light of the ongoing scrutiny of law enforcement practices in Aurora and beyond.
Pittman’s Reflections on the Incident
Pittman has expressed that he feared for his life during the encounter, aware of the potential for violence that could have escalated during the stop. His experience highlights the fear and uncertainty faced by many individuals, particularly people of color, when interacting with law enforcement.
Pittman’s decision to pursue legal action is driven by a desire for accountability and justice, not just for himself but for others who have experienced similar treatment. The case continues to draw attention to the issues of racial profiling and the use of force by police, with the potential to influence future policing practices in Aurora and elsewhere.
