Man Who Claims MDPD Officer Pulled a Gun on Him During 2023 Traffic Stop Sues Officer Involved, MDSO
A South Florida man is suing a police officer and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, nearly a year and a half after he said the officer pulled a gun on him during an intense traffic stop.
The Incident
On September 18, 2023, John Rios was driving home from work when he was pulled over by an officer at an apartment complex in Southwest Miami-Dade. Rios claims that the officer, later identified as MDPD Officer Matt Larsh, drew his gun and threatened to shoot him.
Reenacting the Incident
In bodycam video from an officer who responded after the incident, Rios reenacted the actions of the officer who pulled him over. "I’m going to shoot you, [expletive]!" Rios is heard saying as he mimicked holding a firearm.
Consequences of the Incident
The bodycam video and other materials provided exclusively to 7News reveal the moments after the traffic stop that resulted in an internal Miami-Dade investigation. Rios filed a complaint, and Larsh was given a written reprimand, with the MDPD spokesperson stating that "this type of conduct is not acceptable."
Lawsuit
Rios and his attorney, Bradford Cohen, are now suing Larsh and MDSO. "I think that [Larsh] is a danger," said Cohen. Rios is seeking compensation for his physical and emotional distress, which he claims has resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other trauma.
Disputing the Officer’s Version of Events
Larsh’s superiors claim that he pulled over Rios because he was driving erratically and cutting across all lanes of traffic, putting other people’s lives in danger. However, Rios’ attorney disputes this, saying that Larsh never radioed in the stop and did not call in the license plate.
Conclusion
The incident has left Rios with emotional scars, and he is seeking justice. "I’m still disgusted by all of it," he said. The outcome of the lawsuit remains to be seen, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability within law enforcement agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened during the traffic stop?
- Officer Matt Larsh pulled over John Rios, drew his gun, and threatened to shoot him.
- What was the outcome of the incident?
- Larsh was given a written reprimand, and Rios filed a complaint.
- What is the lawsuit about?
- Rios and his attorney are suing Larsh and MDSO for emotional distress, physical harm, and other trauma resulting from the incident.
- Is Larsh still on duty?
- Yes, Larsh remains on duty with MDSO, despite the internal investigation and written reprimand.
