A Nevada state trooper is suing Seattle-based Starbucks for allegedly serving him iced coffee laced with methamphetamine at a Las Vegas drive-thru in September 2020.
Trooper Steven Darnell was in full Nevada State Highway Patrol uniform when the incident allegedly occurred on Sept. 11, at the Starbucks drive-thru where he regularly goes for coffee.
Darnell claims he became sick shortly after drinking the beverage.
His symptoms included an upset stomach, headache, and burning sensations that got worse throughout the day.
According to the complaint, which was filed May 25 in Clark County District Court, the burning sensations lasted for approximately two weeks after the incident.
However, the suit does not provide any specific link to methamphetamine or the Starbucks beverage.
Starbucks is accused in the lawsuit of negligence, assault, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, among other allegations.
Darnell is seeking $15,000 in punitive damages.
The suit also alleges that Starbucks encourages and condones anti-police rhetoric, police defunding organizations, and employees that wear clothing that supports Black Lives Matter.
Darnell’s attorney is Kevin Hanratty of Las Vegas, who did not return a call and email requesting comment.
No criminal charges were brought against Starbucks following a police investigation.
Starbucks reportedly conducted an internal investigation but could not substantiate the officer’s claims, a Starbucks spokesperson said.
