Former Tacoma police officer Timothy Rankine, who was acquitted of criminal charges in the 2020 death of Manny Ellis, has filed a lawsuit against city and state officials, claiming that he was falsely accused of criminal and racial misconduct. Ellis, a black man, died in Tacoma police custody after being shocked, beaten, and held face-down on a sidewalk while pleading for breath. Rankine, who is an Asian American, testified that he held Ellis down on his back despite his pleas for breath. The officers’ attorneys argued that Ellis died from methamphetamine and a heart condition, not their actions, but the Pierce County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by a lack of oxygen during physical restraint.
The other officers present, Matthew Collins and Christopher Burbank, were charged with second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter. Rankine was cleared of first-degree manslaughter, but claims his reputation was destroyed during the trial. A doorbell camera recorded parts of the incident, showing Ellis with his hands up in a surrender position as Burbank shot a Taser at him while Collins wrapped an arm around his neck. Ellis could be heard repeatedly telling the officers he couldn’t breathe, addressing them as “sir.” Rankine alleges that his prosecution was politically motivated and led to threats against his family, seeking $47 million in damages alongside his wife.
In January, Rankine and the other officers agreed to resign from the department in exchange for $500,000 each. Rankine’s attorney claimed this compensation barely made up for what he had lost. The city of Tacoma declined to comment on the pending litigation. Ellis’ death is still under review by the Department of Justice for civil rights violations, while state officials are investigating whether to revoke the officers’ certifications. A federal lawsuit from Ellis’ family against the city and the officers is still pending, with the family having previously settled for $4 million with Pierce County, who initially investigated Ellis’ death.
The death of Manny Ellis sparked nationwide outrage and calls for police reform. The officers involved continue to face legal battles and scrutiny in the aftermath of his death. The video footage of the incident, showing Ellis clearly in distress and pleading for breath, has been a focal point of the case. The officers’ claims that Ellis died from methamphetamine rather than their actions have been refuted by the medical examiner’s ruling. The allegations of racial misconduct and excessive force have also brought attention to issues within the Tacoma Police Department and law enforcement as a whole.
The political aspect of Rankine’s prosecution, as he claims, raises questions about the motivations behind the charges and the handling of the case. The backlash and threats against his family have further added to the contentious nature of the situation. The lawsuits and investigations surrounding Ellis’ death highlight the complexities and challenges involved in holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions. The ongoing legal battles and potential consequences for the officers involved reflect the broader discussions and debates around police brutality, systemic racism, and the need for reform within the criminal justice system. The unresolved nature of this case underscores the need for continued advocacy and efforts to address issues of accountability and justice within law enforcement agencies.
