Lawsuit: Police drew gun on driver whose headlights were off

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) – A lawsuit says a South Carolina police officer drew a gun on a young Black driver whose only infraction was driving with his headlights off.

Noah West was headed to a fast-food restaurant last month when an officer pulled him over. The officer conducted a traffic stop after earlier reports of gunfire nearby.

The lawsuit says the officer drew a gun and ordered West to kneel and put his hands on his head.

He was later issued a written warning for the headlights after the officer realized West wasn’t involved with the shooting.

The lawsuit alleges negligence, civil assault and false arrest.

The department declined to comment.