A Marion man, Dillon Ledford, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Town of Spruce Pine and three of its police officers, claiming they violated his constitutional rights during a February 2024 arrest in the Spruce Pine Walmart parking lot.
The complaint alleges officers used excessive force while Ledford was in diabetic shock, failing to recognize his medical emergency or provide aid.
The 58-page lawsuit includes 17 counts and names Captain Michael Hollifield, Officer Michael Sale, and Officer Dalton Mace. It accuses them of using unnecessary force and failing to intervene or report each other’s actions, referencing a federal “bystander liability” law.
The suit also blames the police department and Chief Kasey Cook for lacking proper training, updated Use of Force policies, and medical response procedures. It seeks a jury trial and damages.
A prior State Bureau of Investigation review found no criminal wrongdoing by the officers, though it noted concerns about their failure to involve medical personnel.
Spruce Pine’s attorney said the town will review the lawsuit once officially served.
