The Law Offices of Jason A. Waechter has filed a $50 million federal civil rights lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on behalf of an Oakland County man who suffered catastrophic injuries after being struck by a speeding Troy police cruiser operating without emergency lights or sirens.
The lawsuit alleges that Officer Evan Leithauser, acting without lawful justification, violated Thomas Szczesny’s (pronounced Chesney) Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights when he collided with Mr. Szczesny’s motorcycle at high speed while responding to a non-emergency call. The crash left Mr. Szczesny with partial paralysis and numerous orthopedic and neurological injuries that will require lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, and permanent adjustments to his quality of life.
According to the complaint, this case is not only about one officer’s reckless conduct but also about deep systemic failures within the Troy Police Department. The suit names the City of Troy and five of its officers, alleging unlawful seizure, an unconstitutional search warrant, malicious prosecution, gross negligence, and municipal liability for failing to properly train and supervise its officers.
“This is more than just a traffic crash; it’s a story of institutional failure that left Mr. Szczesny permanently disabled,” said attorney Aaron Martinez of The Law Offices of Jason A. Waechter. “From our investigation, it appears the Troy Police Department attempted to cover up their officer’s misconduct by falsely alleging intoxication. Meanwhile, Mr. Szczesny was left fighting for his life and then forced to defend his character in court. Those charges were later dismissed, but the damage — physically and emotionally — was already done. Now justice must be done.”
The lawsuit details a troubling sequence of events following the crash. An internal investigation by Troy Police allegedly produced a flawed search warrant, based on misinformation and omissions. Mr. Szczesny was wrongfully charged with Operating While Intoxicated, despite blood tests that later proved there was no alcohol or impairment. The charge was ultimately dismissed by the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office “in the interest of justice.”
Adding to the concerns of transparency, critical body and dash camera footage from Officer Leithauser — unlike footage from other responding officers — was never preserved. The complaint suggests this missing evidence further undermines public confidence in the Troy Police Department’s ability to investigate its own officers objectively and honestly.
The lawsuit also underscores the human cost of these failures. Mr. Szczesny, once an active motorcyclist and community member, now faces permanent physical limitations, escalating medical expenses, and the emotional toll of being falsely accused by the very authorities sworn to protect him. The case raises broader questions about accountability, police training, and the constitutional duty of municipalities to safeguard citizens’ rights against government overreach.
For over 30 years, The Law Offices of Jason A. Waechter has built a national reputation as a trial law firm dedicated to protecting victims’ rights. The firm has secured multiple eight-figure verdicts and settlements in complex personal injury and civil rights cases. Known for aggressive advocacy and an unwavering commitment to justice, the firm represents clients throughout Michigan and across the country.
“This case is about accountability,” added Martinez. “No citizen should have to endure what Mr. Szczesny has endured — being permanently injured, then falsely accused, all because of failures in training, supervision, and honesty. Our courts exist to right these wrongs, and that is exactly what we intend to do.”
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