Per an Alabama lawsuit, a woman, Twyla Stallworth, and her son have filed a complaint against an officer and the city for violating their constitutional rights. The woman was reportedly wrongfully apprehended, strip-searched, and detained for 15 hours after declining to show her ID at her own residence, reports the Miami Herald. 

On Feb. 23, the woman contacted officials to complain about noise. She then activated her own car alarm to get her neighbor’s attention. When Officer Grant Barton arrived, he asked for her ID, but she declined.

Stallworth’s son captured a video showing Officer Barton entering their home, pushing Stallworth onto the couch, and handcuffing her while her son opposed. The lawsuit claims excessive force was used and that the officer physically assaulted her son while entering. As Barton escorted Stallworth out of the home, her son questioned the reason for her arrest on camera.

To which the officer said,

“Right now she’s under arrest for failure to identify…That is not the law, that’s against the law.” 

When Stallworth’s son inquired about the specific law, the officer used his phone to display Alabama code section 15-5-30, which permits officers to stop individuals in public and request their “name, address, and an explanation of their actions” if they believe the person is breaking the law. 

Upon arrival at Covington County Jail, the woman experienced a

“humiliating mugshot and degrading strip search.”

She was imprisoned for over 15 hours until she could pay a bond. The charges against her included obstruction, eluding, and resisting arrest. Stallworth sought legal representation. 

Stallworth was correct in stating that she did not need to show her ID, as confirmed by the mentioned code. The mayor of Andalusia admitted the mistake and apologized in a video two weeks later. Mayor Earl Johnson acknowledged that Barton was disciplined for not being aware of the law. The charges against Stallworth were dismissed.