EDGEWATER, Fla. — The City of Edgewater is facing a $180,000 tort claim after an attorney alleged that a city police officer wrongfully arrested a man who was doing nothing more than sitting outside a CVS, waiting for a Lyft ride home after finishing work.

The claimant, Paul Werd IV, was detained and arrested by an Edgewater officer who reportedly found his presence outside the store suspicious. Werd was booked into the Volusia County Jail and held for more than two days before prosecutors declined to pursue charges.

The formal pre-suit claim, filed under Florida's tort-claims rules, accuses the officer of using excessive force and inflicting physical and emotional harm on Werd. Family members and attorneys representing Werd say body-camera footage from the incident shows the officer threatening to deploy a Taser and release a K-9 against the man during the confrontation — despite Werd posing no apparent threat.

The claim letter was sent directly to Edgewater's City Manager, demanding the city pay $180,000 to settle the matter and avoid a lawsuit. If the city does not respond or settle within the required period, the case is expected to proceed to civil court.

The incident adds to mounting scrutiny of the Edgewater Police Department, which is already in the midst of a leadership transition following the appointment of interim Police Chief Charles Geiger.