What is it called when you arrest the wrong person?

This incident involved deputies detaining Jerry Lee Reason Jr. due to mistaken identity, as an arrest warrant was for his nephew with the same name. This led to a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging false arrest and excessive force.

Is it illegal to give a police officer the wrong name?

The provided information does not state that Jerry Lee Reason Jr. gave a wrong name. Rather, the incident describes him providing identification, yet deputies still detained him due to the shared name with his nephew, leading to a lawsuit over mistaken identity and alleged excessive force.

police-misconduct · Robertson County, Tennessee

What happened after deputies detained the wrong Jerry Reason in Tennessee?

What happened?

After a widely shared clip showed Robertson County deputies detaining Jerry Lee Reason Jr. by mistake for his nephew, a federal civil rights lawsuit was filed against the involved deputies, alleging excessive force and false arrest. The outcome of the lawsuit and any disciplinary actions are currently unknown.

Unresolved or unknown

Last checked: Jun 12, 2026

Sources: WSMV 4 Nashville (YouTube)

Timeline

Sep 12, 2024
Deputies from the Robertson County Sheriff's Office detain Jerry Lee Reason Jr. at his driveway while attempting to serve a warrant for his nephew.
Date unknown
A clip of the incident becomes widely shared, showing the detention of Jerry Lee Reason Jr.
Mar 12, 2025
LackLuster Channel reports on a lawsuit filed against the deputies involved in the incident.
Sep 11, 2025
WSMV 4 Nashville reports that a federal civil rights lawsuit has been filed against the Robertson County deputies.
Date unknown
The specific outcome of the federal lawsuit and any disciplinary actions against the deputies remain unknown.

Receipts

CockatooJun 4, 2026
LackLuster Channel (YouTube)Mar 12, 2025
WSMV 4 Nashville (YouTube)Sep 11, 2025