A dispute over a customer’s removal from a retail store has led to a federal lawsuit alleging violations of constitutional rights by local police officers, city officials, and employees of the business involved. The complaint was filed by Nike Miguel Young in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas on March 26, 2026, naming Officer White #303, Sergeant Matlack #262, the City of Benbrook, Jeffery Shaw (store manager), Melisa Mellon (employee), and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet as defendants.
According to court documents, Young claims that on April 6, 2024, he was shopping at Ollie’s Bargain Outlet in Benbrook when he was told to leave by store manager Jeffery Shaw after spending about ten minutes in the restroom. When Young asked why he was being asked to leave without cause, Shaw reportedly responded: “I’m the owner and I don’t need a reason to kick you out.” Young replied: “You don’t own this. You are a manager.”
The situation escalated when cashier Melisa Mellon called 911 reporting a “fight in progress,” though Young asserts no fight occurred. Shaw then told Young that another customer had complained about him following her—an accusation Young denies. He requested to see security footage but received no response from Shaw.
As tensions rose near the exit area of the store, Young took possession of Shaw’s phone while simultaneously retrieving his wallet from the ground; both items were soon returned to their respective owners after an exchange involving keys as well. Shaw threatened to call 911 but did not make any call.
Upon exiting into the parking lot, Young encountered arriving police vehicles. He states that he immediately raised his hands and voluntarily handed over his wallet containing identification before being detained by Sergeant Matlack #262 and placed in handcuffs. Body camera footage referenced in the filing reportedly captured Shaw telling Officer White: “Yeah, we get a lot of homeless, typical for this area,” but also stating he was “not injured and not offended by Young’s contact.”
Despite these statements, Officer White arrested Young on charges of Criminal Trespass and Interference with 911. The complaint details that Young was held at Benbrook City Jail from April 6 until April 7 before being transferred to Tarrant County Jail until either April 9 or April 10. Bail was set at $800; however, due to minimum fee requirements from the bondsman—who commented he had “never seen someone arrested with such a low bail”—Young paid $140 for release.
The charge of Criminal Trespass was later dropped by state prosecutors before trial. The remaining charge proceeded to trial on October 23, 2024; court records show that a jury found Young not guilty on all counts related to Interference with 911. Surveillance video from Ollie’s Bargain Outlet for April 6 was not preserved.
In his lawsuit under Title 42 United States Code Section 1983 citing false arrest and malicious prosecution in violation of Fourth Amendment rights, Young seeks money damages for time spent incarcerated; reimbursement for bail money paid; compensation for court costs and lost income; as well as damages for emotional distress and humiliation allegedly suffered during these events. Additional punitive damages are sought against specific defendants—including Shaw, Mellon, White, and Matlack—for their conduct during the incident. Damages are also sought against Ollie’s Bargain Outlet management for failure to preserve surveillance evidence.
Young requests further relief as deemed just by the court along with coverage of all legal costs incurred during litigation. He is representing himself pro se in this matter.
The criminal proceedings list John Shipley as defense attorney for Nike Miguel Young with Stephanie Gonzalez representing the State during trial proceedings before Judge Trent Loftin (case number: 4:26-cv-00371-P-BJ).
Source: 426cv00371_Nike_Miguel_v_Officer_White_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Texas.pdf
