Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Tennessee Highway Patrol Officers Following DUI Arrest of Sober Driver

 

Monroe County, Tenn. — In a case that has drawn attention to police procedures and body camera protocols, Angela Manis filed a federal lawsuit against Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) officers Riley Shreiner and William “Billy” Yates-Matoy, following the December 2023 DUI arrest of her son, Thomas Manis, who was later proven to be sober. The incident, captured on body camera footage and scrutinized in WSMV4’s “Sobering Problems” investigative series, has raised questions about police assumptions, field sobriety testing, and the use of body cameras during traffic stops.

The incident occurred on December 29, when Thomas Manis was pulled over by Trooper Shreiner on U.S. 411, allegedly for dark window tint. Body camera footage shows Shreiner approaching Manis’ vehicle and questioning him about possible alcohol consumption. Manis, who had reportedly just woken up, denied any drinking or drug use. Despite passing all field sobriety tests, he was ultimately arrested on suspicion of DUI after a brief, muted conversation between Shreiner and Yates-Matoy.

During the arrest, Shreiner twice deactivated his body camera’s audio—once during a conversation with Yates-Matoy and again when responding to a tow truck driver’s question about Manis’ sobriety. These deactivations have fueled concerns about transparency, particularly as they occurred at key moments of the investigation. Footage also shows Yates-Matoy making comments about Manis’ likely marijuana use, despite no physical evidence. Both officers’ refusals to administer a breathalyzer test further escalated tensions, with both Manis and his mother questioning this omission. While many departments rely on blood tests as they screen for both drugs and alcohol, Tennessee’s processing delays mean that drivers often face months-long waits for results, risking job loss and other financial impacts during that period.

This case has renewed public scrutiny on body camera policies, especially regarding officers’ discretion to turn off audio. WSMV4 Investigates has filed open records requests to understand THP’s body camera policies and rationale for limiting breathalyzer use, especially in DUI stops. In the meantime, both Manis and his mother await clarity and justice, with their lawsuit spotlighting concerns over the treatment of sober drivers, the accuracy of field testing, and the importance of accountability in law enforcement practices.