Residents raise complaints about Soddy‑Daisy police conduct; commission discusses storage container enforcement and community outreach

Several residents used the May 2 Soddy‑Daisy commission meeting’s public‑comment period to raise allegations about the city’s police practices and to press the commission on neighborhood and code enforcement issues.

Allen Cross of 600 North Brook Drive told the commission he collapsed after taking a pill and that, after emergency responders revived him, "the police department confiscated his cell phone without a warrant and would not give it back," a practice he described as a violation of his civil and constitutional rights; he said he plans to sue. City Attorney Elliott stopped Cross’s allotted comment time, saying Cross had threatened litigation and that "there would be no comment tonight." The minutes record the exchange as ending Cross’s remarks.

Brad Sims (199 Hickman Street) said he had been arrested after using an expletive toward a female officer and told the commission he was kept from making a timely phone call from booking to arrange care for his dog. Sims said he was not allowed a phone call for about an hour and a half and described the treatment as a violation of his civil rights; City Attorney Elliott again curtailed additional public comment.

Michelle Conner of 1101 Pendall Lane asked whether the city still owns a crime mobile unit, questioned who is responsible when officers fail to complete paperwork and asked whether an officer under an FBI investigation should remain on duty. City Manager Burt Johnson said he hires and fires officers and that he was not aware of any FBI investigation; Police Chief Billy Petty said immediate supervisors handle paperwork issues. After Conner’s questions, City Attorney Elliott said Conner had previously litigated against the city and stated that she was trying to "stir things up." No independent confirmation of any FBI investigation was provided during the meeting.

Edward Allen of 9929 Dayton Pike said he purchased a shipping container for storage and received a letter from the city ordering its removal. He asked for time to move his items and suggested the commission consider amending the ordinance; Commissioner Keith and City Attorney Elliott said the board could review the ordinance and that the board could extend Mr. Allen’s deadline for 60 days while the matter is reviewed, but that if the ordinance is not amended the container would have to be removed.

Other public items included an announcement of a Wall of Honor ceremony on May 6 and reports on recent cleanup and recycling events.

The meeting record shows the city officials listened to concerns but did not take formal action on the police complaints. Citizens’ allegations about police conduct recorded in public comment remain unresolved in the minutes and may require further inquiry or formal complaints for investigation.