Man with disabilities sues former UHP trooper


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SALT LAKE CITY — A man with disabilities has filed a civil rights lawsuit in federal court against former Utah Highway Patrol trooper Lisa Steed. He claims he was unlawfully searched and detained, and he wasn't even driving a car.

Michael Tilt suffers from cerebral palsy and other medical conditions, including seizures. His lawsuit claims he was riding a motorized bicycle when he was pulled over by Trooper Lisa Steed Oct. 28, 2010, and he suffered more seizures as a result.

According to the lawsuit, Steed directed Tilt through what's described as a "litany" of field sobriety tests. Tilt maintains he couldn't do them because he is disabled.

For example, he claims his balance is off because his legs aren't the same length, he's weak on his left side, and seizures have impacted his direct gaze.

According to the lawsuit, Steed made him perform the tests anyway.


"Steed directed Tilt through a 'litany' of field sobriety tests. Tilt maintains he couldn't do them because he is disabled."

The lawsuit also alleges Steed took Tilt to have blood drawn, and while at the Salt Lake County Jail she found and confiscated his medication. Tilt claims he needed the pills to combat seizures.

The lawsuit is against Steed and several unnamed people at the Utah Highway Patrol. State officials say they have not received the lawsuit yet.

Steed is fighting to get her job re-instated. She already faces other lawsuits over claims from people who say they were wrongly convicted after she arrested them.

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Andrew Adams

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