This federal civil rights complaint was filed on October 24, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin by Plaintiff Ian Cuypers against officers of the Superior Police Department and the City of Superior. The lawsuit arises from a February 24, 2024 traffic stop in Superior, Wisconsin, during which Cuypers alleges officers used excessive force against him.

According to the complaint, Cuypers was delivering food for DoorDash when he mistakenly turned down a one-way street and was pulled over by Officer Justin Taylor. Additional officers, including Taylor Gaard and Sgt. Matthew Brown, arrived at the scene. The complaint alleges that officers escalated the encounter by drawing firearms and issuing multiple shouted commands. Cuypers asserts that while attempting to comply, he was tased twice by Officer Gaard without justification, causing severe pain, physical injury, and emotional trauma.

The complaint further alleges that officers lacked probable cause to charge Cuypers with resisting or obstructing an officer, yet pursued the charge through trial. On July 16, 2024, a jury acquitted Cuypers of that charge. The lawsuit claims the criminal prosecution was initiated in part to justify the use of force during the stop.

Filed under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the complaint asserts claims of excessive force, failure to intervene, and indemnification against the City of Superior under Wisconsin law. Cuypers seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, and a jury trial. The filing alleges ongoing physical injuries, PTSD diagnosis, lost employment, and relocation to Colorado as lasting consequences of the incident.

• United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin – https://www.wiwd.uscourts.gov

• City of Superior, Wisconsin – https://www.superiorwi.gov

• People’s Law Office – https://www.peopleslawoffice.com