Mistaken suspect files lawsuit

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - A woman mistakenly stopped by sheriff's deputies and injured after being yanked out of her car is filing a lawsuit.

The lawsuit recently filed in federal court is seeking at least $75,000 in damages against Kalamazoo County and two deputies.

Deputies from Kent County chased home invasion suspect John Metzelburg and his wife, Denise, in October 2010. The high-speed vehicle pursuit extended into Kalamazoo County, where in Scotts the couple fired a gun at the deputies.

Police lost sight of the Metzelburgs' car and two Kalamazoo County deputies came across Michelle Selbee by mistake as she was pulling out of her driveway. The deputies drew their guns and demanded she get out of her car with her hands up.

"But before I could get (the door) open, he reached in and grabbed my hair and yanked me out of the car (and) onto the ground," Selbee told 24 Hour News 8 after the incident. "I spun into the dirt and then he jumps on my back."

In the lawsuit, Selbee says she suffered broken ribs and lasting physical and emotional injuries.

Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller apologized to Selbee the next day and offered to make arrangements to pay for any medical bills she may have incurred as a result of the incident.

Geoffrey Fieger's law firm now represents Selbee.

The county attorney has not seen the lawsuit yet, so these officials don't have a comment at this point.