Crider et al v. Williams

On March 31, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, Officer David Williams responded to a noise complaint at a private residence where the Crider family was hosting a gathering. The encounter escalated, leading Williams to deploy a taser and physical force against Marcus Crider, who was unarmed. Janelle Crider and other family members alleged they were also threatened and unlawfully detained when attempting to intervene. The plaintiffs filed a federal lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, claiming violations of their Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable seizure and excessive force. The case drew attention after cellphone footage circulated online, showing conflicting narratives about the level of resistance encountered by the officer.

The case is ongoing as of mid-2025. The court denied the defendant’s motion for summary judgment based on qualified immunity, finding genuine disputes of material fact. A trial date is pending.

Whether Officer Williams used excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment, and whether the detention of other family members constituted an unlawful seizure absent probable cause.

The incident intensified local and national debates over police accountability and qualified immunity reform. Community protests demanded the officer’s dismissal, while law enforcement groups cited the case as an example of the difficult split-second decisions officers face. The viral video further fueled calls for mandatory body-worn cameras and independent investigations in use-of-force incidents.