A woman has initiated legal proceedings against the City of Phoenix and two police officers after her arrest for suspected driving under the influence (DUI) shortly after her wedding. Brianna Longoria, an aspiring nurse from California, claims that her diagnosis and treatment for cancer were significantly delayed due to the consequences of her arrest.
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Longoria’s ordeal began in December 2024, just a day after she tied the knot. She and her husband were driving from her family’s home to their hotel in a rented vehicle when they were stopped by Officer Mary Metheny of the Phoenix Police Department. The officer accused Longoria of running a red light and noted a malfunctioning tail light. However, body camera footage reveals that Longoria passed a series of sobriety tests, including a breathalyser test that registered “triple zeros.”
Despite the test results showing no presence of alcohol or drugs, Officer Metheny arrested Longoria, alleging marijuana impairment. Bodycam footage records Metheny asserting her belief that Longoria was impaired due to alleged physical indicators, including red eyes and large pupils, which the officer exaggerated for emphasis.
According to Longoria’s lawsuit, the Phoenix Police Department allegedly operates with DUI quotas that compel officers to make arrests regardless of actual impairment. During the processing of Longoria, Officer Anette Hannah was captured on video expressing concerns about meeting her DUI quotas, stating, “They’re going to kick me off squad if I don’t get a DUI.” Metheny responded by foregrounding the pressure they faced regarding DUI arrests.
The lawsuit raises serious concerns about the integrity of the arrest. It contends that false evidence was fabricated in the arrest report, claiming that Longoria failed field sobriety tests. However, forensic testing in January 2025 confirmed that no drugs or alcohol were present in Longoria’s system. The charges against her were eventually dismissed, and her driving license reinstated later that year following a judge’s ruling due to insufficient evidence.
Longoria expressed her distress, noting how the ordeal transformed what should have been a joyous occasion into a traumatic experience. Reflecting on her arrest, she remarked, “It was supposed to be the best time of my life… I didn’t deserve that.”
The legal action claims that the wrongful arrest has far-reaching repercussions for Longoria. The lawsuit alleges her cancer treatment was put on hold due to a lack of transportation, which disrupted her professional aspirations and academic efforts to become a nurse—an occupation for which a DUI conviction can be disqualifying. Additionally, she was unable to celebrate her honeymoon and faced significant legal fees as a result of the arrest.
Despite the gravity of the situation, a Phoenix Police Department spokesperson refuted claims of operating under DUI quotas, suggesting that their enforcement decisions stem from observed behaviours and specific indicators of impairment. They confirmed that both Metheny and Hannah continue to serve within the department, with the Professional Standards Bureau currently reviewing the case.
Longoria’s attorney, John H. Sud, commented on the situation, stating, “It looks like they have a quota to me and Brianna unfortunately was the victim.” He emphasised the need for accountability in policing practices, especially concerning arrests made without substantial evidence.
The lawsuit seeks damages for the emotional and psychological toll of the incident, aiming also to expunge the DUI arrest from Longoria’s record. With a court date on the horizon, the fate of this case may hinge on the legal implications of police quotas and the validity of the evidence initially presented against her.
As the public awaits further developments, the case raises pressing questions about law enforcement practices and the potential for abuse of power, especially amid the backdrop of public safety and individual rights. The City of Phoenix and its police officers now face scrutiny over their actions, with potential ramifications for their procedures and policies moving forward.