An aspiring nurse has filed a lawsuit against the Phoenix Police Department, alleging she was wrongfully arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) as part of what the complaint describes as a “de facto quota” system pressuring officers to make arrests.
Brianna Longoria, a California resident, claims her December 2024 arrest was fabricated despite clear evidence she was not impaired.
According to the lawsuit, Longoria was pulled over by Officer Mary Metheny on Dec. 29, 2024, while in Arizona for her wedding, which had been planned to allow her ailing father to attend.
Metheny initially alleged Longoria ran a red light—an accusation later contradicted by body camera footage. Longoria reportedly passed a field eye test and registered “triple zeroes” on a breathalyzer, indicating no alcohol in her system.
Despite this, Metheny proceeded with a DUI arrest, citing suspected marijuana impairment. The lawsuit further alleges the officer falsified field sobriety test results to justify the arrest.
The complaint centers on a recorded exchange between officers that has intensified scrutiny of department practices. In body camera footage, Officer Anette Hannah is heard expressing concern about meeting expectations:
“They’re gonna kick me off squad if I don’t get a DUI.” Metheny allegedly responded, “You can. You can,” after Hannah said she couldn’t “conjure one up.”
Longoria’s legal team argues this exchange demonstrates systemic pressure within the department to make DUI arrests, even without sufficient evidence.
Although prosecutors moved to dismiss the charges in April 2025, the consequences for Longoria have persisted. Her driver’s license was temporarily suspended, delaying critical cervical cancer treatments due to lack of transportation.
She also claims the arrest has damaged her nursing career prospects, as drug-related DUI charges can disqualify candidates during background checks.
“Yes, they dropped the charges, but it will always be there,” Longoria said, noting she continues efforts to clear her record.
An administrative law judge later ruled there were no reasonable grounds for her license suspension, leading to its reinstatement in July 2025.
Longoria’s lawsuit seeks damages, expungement of her record, and policy reforms within the Phoenix Police Department, including increased oversight and accountability.
In response, Phoenix police declined to comment on the pending litigation but confirmed the case is under internal review by its Professional Standards Bureau. A department spokesperson denied the existence of DUI quotas and stated both officers involved remain employed.
The case raises broader legal and ethical questions about policing practices, evidentiary standards, and the potential consequences of performance-driven enforcement in criminal justice systems.
