On May 14, 2017, Officer Patrick Niles, along with Officer Micah Host, responded to a domestic disturbance call at the residence of Michael Welch, a deaf man. Despite being aware of Welch’s hearing impairment, Niles failed to communicate effectively, leading to a physical altercation where Welch was tased, resulting in the destruction of one of his cochlear implants. Welch was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest; however, these charges were dismissed on appeal. Welch filed a lawsuit alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act, claiming the officers failed to accommodate his disability. The court dismissed the claims against the City of Hartselle but did not address the claims against the individual officers. The case underscores concerns regarding excessive force and the necessity for proper communication accommodations during police interactions. [Source: Welch v. City of Hartselle Alabama et al, No. 5:2019cv00731 – Document 34 (N.D. Ala. 2019)]
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