In a harrowing case that underscores issues of police conduct and excessive force, a woman has filed a lawsuit following a traumatic encounter with law enforcement. Annisha Gill filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on May 2, 2025, against the Lafayette Consolidated Government and several officers from the Lafayette Police Department.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on May 5, 2024, when police responded to a domestic disturbance call in Lafayette's Fountain View subdivision. According to the complaint, officers failed to secure exits from the area, leading to a reckless attempt by SWAT officers to stop a vehicle leaving the scene. The complaint alleges that three heavily armed SWAT officers fired multiple rounds into the back of a vehicle driven by Dreavian Dugas as it left the cul-de-sac. Gill was inside this vehicle and was struck by gunfire. The lawsuit claims these actions were unconstitutional and unjustified, causing significant harm to Gill.
Gill's complaint argues that her rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 were violated due to excessive force used by police officers Travis Duhon, Chandler Fruge, and Adam Arnett. It further accuses former Chief Judith Estorge and current Chief Paul Trouard of failing to properly train and supervise their officers. The filing highlights numerous prior incidents involving excessive force by Lafayette Police Department officers as evidence of systemic issues within the department.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages for physical injuries and emotional distress caused by the shooting. Additionally, she requests punitive damages against individual defendants for their willful misconduct and violation of her constitutional rights. Gill also demands changes in departmental policies regarding use-of-force protocols and officer training.
Representing Annisha Gill are attorneys Michael J. Williamson and Rachel K. Couvillion from SWLA Injury Attorneys LLC. The case is being overseen by judges from the Western District of Louisiana under Case ID: 6:25-cv-00599.