A Soddy-Daisy police officer under investigation by the FBI, reportedly for beating a handcuffed man in 2019, has asked a federal judge to put a lawsuit against him on hold while the criminal investigation continues.
The lawsuit, filed by attorney Clayton Whittaker in April, accuses officer Jeffrey Rahn of excessive force and ignoring medical needs. It also claims the city of Soddy-Daisy failed to train and supervise its officers, and due to that failure, it created an “official custom” allowing excessive force by its officers.
Another recent lawsuit makes similar claims after a 74-year-old – allegedly blindfolded – man who suffered from dementia was shot and killed by three Soddy-Daisy officers last year after he reportedly pointed an unloaded gun at them.
According to Whittaker’s suit, Rahn was on patrol when he spotted William Byrum speeding on June 11, 2019, and gave chase.
Byrum had just arrived at his parents’ home on Dallas Hollow Road and was walking toward the back door when he saw Rahn on the property, the lawsuit states, adding that Rahn then drew his weapon, ordered Byrum to the ground and cuffed him.