On the night of July 12, 2024, I was finishing up a DoorDash delivery. I had been working all day and was exhausted. At one point, I pulled over on the side of the road to finish up some work-related texts, not wanting to risk driving and texting. I thought this was the responsible thing to do. The road was mostly empty, and I occasionally moved my car forward a few feet because I can’t stand being still for long stretches.

As I finished and drove away, I noticed a vehicle following me, which soon turned out to be a police car. I was pulled over and questioned by an officer. I explained that I was working for DoorDash and had stopped to send a text. However, the officer asked me to step out of my car, and what followed changed my life in ways I never could have imagined.

The officer conducted a sobriety test, which I failed. Not because I was intoxicated—because I don’t drink and never have. Alcohol makes me physically ill. Nor do I smoke, vape, or use any recreational drugs. My sobriety test failed because of my physical health issues. I’m a bit overweight, which affects my balance. I also suffer from frequent ear infections, which likely threw off my equilibrium further. I explained all this to the officer, but it seemed to make no difference.

In my pocket, the officer found a few prescription medications. These were my life-saving, legally prescribed medications, given to me by my psychologist. I rely on them to manage my ADHD, anxiety, and depression. But the officer treated me as though I was carrying illegal substances. Despite my efforts to explain, I was arrested and charged with DUI—despite not being under the influence of any intoxicant.

At the jail, my experience only worsened. I was denied my essential medications, despite repeatedly informing the staff that they were crucial for my mental health and well-being. One of my medications, if stopped abruptly, could cause seizures. I was scared, anxious, and desperate. I repeatedly asked for my medication and was ignored. At one point, I even pointed out the medical official who had checked me in, pleading with him to back me up. Instead, he shrugged, laughed, and dismissed my concerns. This kind of treatment, from someone entrusted with my health, was humiliating and traumatic.

On top of this, I was denied my phone call until much later, preventing me from contacting my family for help. Eventually, through the help of an agency, I was released from jail the following morning. To make matters worse, the judge later ruled there was no probable cause for my arrest. While this provided some relief, it did nothing to erase the trauma I experienced.

This incident has severely impacted my mental health. I used to trust law enforcement. Now, I live in fear of being wrongfully arrested again. My anxiety has skyrocketed, and both my parents believe I may be suffering from PTSD due to this event. I feel constantly on edge, worrying that the same thing could happen again.

I’m sharing my story to raise awareness about the injustice I faced and to call for accountability. I know I’m not the only one who has suffered from mistreatment at the hands of Williamson County law enforcement. I don’t have the financial means to hire an attorney to fight this, which is why I’m asking for your support.

By signing this petition, you can help hold Williamson County law enforcement accountable and demand systemic reform. We cannot allow these abuses to continue. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting my cause.