"Vermont Mother's Lawsuit Alleges Excessive Force and Discrimination by Burlington Police"

A Vermont mother's attempt to teach her son a lesson for stealing e-cigarettes led to a lawsuit alleging excessive force and discrimination by Burlington police against her Black, disabled son. Body-camera footage shows officers forcibly removing the stolen items from the teen, handcuffing and sedating him with ketamine. The incident highlights the need for police training in handling disabilities and mental health crises, prompting calls for alternative responses to nonviolent situations. The lawsuit seeks punitive damages and policy changes to accommodate people with disabilities in policing interactions.