Case file 01 / Greenwood, South Carolina
Her family is seeking answers about the police encounter before her death.
A closer look at the allegations, the people referenced in the filing, and the complete lawsuit filed on behalf of Tracy’s estate.
This page covers the complaint filed October 22, 2026.
February 23, 2025
Greenwood County
Court of Common Pleas
2026-CP-24-01255
Summons + complaint
Filed October 22, 2026
The case, in context
The explanation below summarizes the complaint. Paragraph references point to the full document available on this page.
Tracy Denise Brooks was 56 when she died on February 23, 2025, in Greenwood County, South Carolina. On October 22, 2026, her son, Bracy Brooks, filed a lawsuit as personal representative of her estate against the City of Greenwood and officers Anna Ballenger and Austin Teasley.
According to the complaint, officers responded to T.W. Boons late February 22 or early February 23 after employees called to have Tracy removed. The filing alleges she was injured, wore a medical boot, depended on a walker, was impaired by alcohol, and had no transportation. ¶¶ 12–23
The complaint says Ballenger drove Tracy toward Five Points, where Tracy had said a brother lived, but no family member was located. It alleges she was then taken to a dark, closed gas station outside city limits in approximately 28-degree weather, despite asking not to be left there and requesting jail or a hospital. ¶¶ 24–36
“Don’t put me out here.”
Words attributed to Tracy, in substance, in paragraph 34 of the complaint.
The lawsuit alleges both officers stopped their body-camera recordings before Tracy was removed from the patrol car. When recording resumed, she was outside. The filing alleges the officers drove away, leaving her without shelter, transportation, or anyone to help. It does not establish exactly what happened during the recording gap. ¶¶ 37–43
According to the complaint, about 90 minutes later Tracy was struck from behind by a vehicle on Siloam Church Road near McKellar Drive. The filing says she was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:05 a.m., and that the driver was charged with DUI and driving under suspension. ¶¶ 44–49
The estate also alleges department leadership rejected a recommendation to terminate both officers and initiate a criminal investigation, and refused requests for the body-camera recordings. The suit brings seven claims, including federal civil rights claims, wrongful death, survival, and negligent training, supervision, and retention. It requests a jury trial and damages. ¶¶ 52–68; causes of action and prayer for relief
Read the source
Court filing / PDF
Bracy Brooks, as personal representative of the Estate of Tracy Denise Brooks, v. City of Greenwood; Anna Ballenger; and Austin Teasley.
Read opens the complete PDF in a new tab. Download saves a copy. The complaint begins on PDF page 2.
People referenced in the filing
Ballenger and Teasley are named as individual defendants. The police chief is discussed in the allegations about the department’s response; he is not named as a defendant in this complaint.
Named defendant
Greenwood police officer at the time of the encounter. The complaint alleges she transported Tracy to the gas station. ¶¶ 5, 24–39
Named defendant
Greenwood police officer at the time of the encounter. The complaint alleges he responded to the gas station after Ballenger called him. ¶¶ 6, 35–39
Department leadership
Greenwood police chief referenced in the allegations about the internal investigation and the department’s response. Not a named defendant. ¶¶ 53–62
Photos supplied for this case coverage.
Remembering Tracy
Tracy was a mother of two and a grandmother of five. Her family’s search for answers is part of her story. So is the life they remember.
Read her obituary