Las Vegas 'Metro Mullet' officer sued for excessive force

Overview

Updated 2 hours ago

Alexis Tellez was pulled over for an illegal U-turn in downtown Las Vegas on March 14, 2026. Body camera footage shows an officer pointing a gun at his head and slamming him against a patrol car. On Tuesday, Tellez sued the officer and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for excessive force and false arrest.

The lawsuit names an officer known on social media as 'Metro Mullet' and alleges the downtown unit has the highest rate of non-deadly use-of-force incidents in the department. The case tests whether body camera evidence can hold police accountable in a department with a history of excessive force allegations.

Why it matters

The case tests whether body camera evidence can overcome legal protections for police in a department with a history of excessive force.

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Key Indicators

Downtown unit's 5-year average use-of-force incidents

Highest among all LVMPD area commands, according to Metro's annual report.

Pending criminal charges against Tellez

Obstruction and unsafe U-turn; DA declined license plate charge.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

People Involved

Alexis Tellez

Plaintiff in excessive force lawsuit

Suing LVMPD and Officer C. for excessive force and false arrest

Officer C. (known as 'Metro Mullet')

Defendant, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer

Named in excessive force lawsuit; not publicly identified by full name

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

Defendant in excessive force lawsuit

Named in lawsuit; declined to comment

Lagomarsino Law

Law firm representing Alexis Tellez

Representing plaintiff in lawsuit

Clark County District Attorney's Office

Prosecutor's office

Declined to prosecute license plate charge; other charges pending

Organizations Involved

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

Police department

Defendant in excessive force lawsuit

The primary law enforcement agency for Las Vegas and Clark County, Nevada.

Lagomarsino Law

Law firm

Represents Alexis Tellez

A Las Vegas law firm representing Alexis Tellez in his excessive force lawsuit.

Clark County District Attorney's Office

Prosecutorial agency

Declined to prosecute license plate charge; other charges pending

The prosecuting agency for Clark County, Nevada.

Timeline

March 2026 November 2026

3 events Latest: Today

November 2026
News report of lawsuit published
Today News

Las Vegas Review-Journal reports on the lawsuit, including body camera footage and allegations of a pattern of excessive force in the downtown unit.
Today
Lawsuit filed against LVMPD and Officer C.
Legal

Alexis Tellez files a lawsuit in District Court against LVMPD and Officer C., alleging excessive force and false arrest.
3 days ago
March 2026
Traffic stop and arrest of Alexis Tellez
Incident

Alexis Tellez is pulled over for an alleged illegal U-turn near Fremont Street and Sixth Street. Body camera footage shows Officer C. pointing a gun at his head and slamming him against a patrol car.
March 14th, 2026

Scenarios

Lawsuit settles with monetary payout and policy changes

Possible Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: Not yet discussed publicly

LVMPD agrees to a settlement that includes a monetary payment to Tellez and changes to use-of-force policies, such as requiring de-escalation training or stricter body camera review. This would avoid a trial and public testimony from officers.

Jury finds Officer C. liable for excessive force

Possible Resolves by End of 2028

Discussed by: Not yet discussed publicly

The case goes to trial, and a jury finds that Officer C. used excessive force and awards damages to Tellez. This would require the body camera footage to be admitted as evidence and the jury to reject the officer's claim that Tellez was resisting.

Lawsuit dismissed or officer exonerated

Unlikely Resolves by End of 2028

Discussed by: Not yet discussed publicly

A judge dismisses the lawsuit or a jury finds that Officer C.'s actions were reasonable under the circumstances. This could happen if the court finds qualified immunity applies or if the evidence is disputed.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

June 1995

Andrew Dersch beating (1995)

Las Vegas resident Andrew Dersch was beaten by three LVMPD officers, Brian Nicholson, Robert Phelan, and Sergeant James Campbell. The officers were convicted but later given a new trial. They pleaded no contest or guilty to lesser charges and were sentenced to jail time.

Then

The officers were fired and sentenced to jail time, ranging from six to nine months.

Now

The case highlighted excessive force problems in LVMPD and led to some reforms, but allegations persisted.

Why this matters now

It shows that excessive force by LVMPD officers can lead to criminal convictions and jail time, but also that cases can take years and involve legal twists. The current lawsuit relies on body camera footage, which was not available in 1995.

March 1991

Rodney King beating (1991)

Los Angeles police officers were videotaped beating Rodney King during a traffic stop. The video showed officers striking King with batons and kicking him. Four officers were charged with excessive force.

Then

Three officers were acquitted in state court, sparking the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Two officers were later convicted in federal court for violating King's civil rights.

Now

The case led to reforms in the LAPD and increased use of body cameras nationwide.

Why this matters now

It is a landmark case where video evidence of police excessive force led to public outrage and federal civil rights charges. The current case also relies on body camera footage, but the legal outcome may differ.