Reno Truck Driver’s Arrest Sparks Lawsuit Over Faulty AI Use

Incident Sparks Controversy Over AI Facial Recognition

A truck driver from Reno faced arrest after a local police officer dismissed his claims, relying instead on AI-based facial recognition software. The driver, Jason Killinger, may find some relief as the officer involved has publicly admitted his mistake in court.

Officer Admits Mistake, Truck Driver Seeks Justice

Richard Jager, the officer who insisted on the driver’s guilt despite his protests, acknowledged in court that his actions were excessive and that detaining Killinger was unwarranted. Following the incident, Killinger filed a lawsuit against the police department, alleging violation of his constitutional rights after being mistakenly identified as a criminal at Reno’s Peppermill Casino during 2023.

Legal Action Targets Both Police and City Administration

Killinger was detained for 11 hours and handcuffed for four, prompting his legal team to expand their case to include the City of Reno. They argue that the city is responsible for ensuring police officers receive adequate training, which might have prevented the wrongful arrest. Despite recent policy changes and officer training on facial recognition accuracy, the number of wrongful arrests remains unclear.

“Wrongful arrests are serious, and the failure to properly train law enforcement carries municipal liability,” Killinger’s legal representatives stated.

Overreliance on AI and Insufficient Verification

The arresting officer relied too heavily on AI technology instead of verifying Killinger’s identification through standard procedures. Though the officer later questioned the authenticity of the ID, this hesitation came too late to prevent the wrongful detention. This mishandling forms the core of the lawsuit against both the police officer and the department.

Police Department Revises Policy Amid Criticism

The police initially defended their actions through various arguments but have since softened their position in response to the mounting legal pressure and public scrutiny.