Pastors file lawsuit, say they were victims of racial bias in encounter with Waukesha County Sheriff's deputy

 

WAUKESHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Two Milwaukee pastors who claim they were racially profiled by a Waukesha County Sheriff's deputy are suing the department. 

The two pastors say they were treated like criminals in a time of need. They're filing the lawsuit to let people of color know that they do not need to accept this type of treatment. 

Dozens attended Common Ground's press conference Wednesday morning all to support pastors Demetrius Williams and Kevin Patterson. The pastors say they are filing the lawsuit against what they call the chronic and persistent practice of racial profiling at the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office.

In May 2018, the pastors pulled over due to a flat tire and were waiting for a tow truck. Shortly after, Waukesha County deputies pulled up behind them but instead of helping the pastors, the lawsuit says they asked them for both of their licenses and whether they were armed or had drugs on them. 

However, the Waukesha Sheriff Department's policy for disabled vehicles does not include that line of questioning. 

The pastors say even though their experience is not uncommon for people of color, it doesn't mean they should have to accept it. 

"The only way that we're going to get change is if we put ourselves in the crosshairs and just go ahead and stand up for what's right,"