Michael Minick

Less-than-lethal force

Metro Nashville Police Department officers arrested Minick on May 30, 2011, after he was found wandering in the woods. Police allegedly used a stun gun on Minick and took him into custody for failing to appear in court for a suspended driver's license charge. He was later admitted to Nashville General Hospital for loss of muscle mass and severe dehydration. A lawsuit said a deputy called for backup in the hospital room after Minick became combative. Then, four deputies allegedly beat Minick, who was already in handcuffs and other restraints. The suit claims Minick was punched, struck with a baton and pepper-sprayed during the incident. When nurses came in, Minick was breathless and blue. Hospital personnel were able to resuscitate Minick after 20 minutes. Less than a month later, Minick died in hospice care.