Don’t Flush!: From a False Arrest to a Political Awakening—My Journey to Making a Difference

by Dakarai Larriett

What would you do if you were arrested for a crime you didn’t commit—despite passing every test and proving your innocence?

In Don’t Flush!, activist and Senate candidate Dakarai Larriett recounts the harrowing night in April 2024 when he was wrongfully arrested in Michigan for suspected DUI. Despite testing negative and showing no signs of impairment, he was jailed, humiliated, and thrust into the unforgiving machinery of systemic injustice.

This gripping memoir not only exposes the cracks in our legal and policing systems but also shows the power of one voice refusing to stay silent. Larriett’s $10 million lawsuit against the Michigan State Police, his media campaign fueled by FOIA-released footage, and his push for legislative reform—including a Motorist Bill of Rights and the end of qualified immunity—paint a picture of a man turning trauma into action.

Don’t Flush! is more than a personal story—it’s a rallying cry. Whether you're an ally, advocate, or just waking up to these injustices, this book demands you do more. Read it. Share it. Join the movement for true accountability.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

135 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2025

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read]

This is a Non-Fiction book. I think this book is well written, and it made me do a lot of thinking. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I got pulled into this book. I wish the world was different, but I think there is a lot more fighting to do. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Daniel Stewart]

“Don’t Flush” is a powerful read that uncovers the harsh reality of racism that Black Americans continue to face in interactions with a system that claims to operate for justice. While recounting the heart-wrenching sequence of events from his traffic stop, Larriett paints a clear picture revealing the flaws in law enforcement practices and simultaneously inspires the reader with his incessant determination to make his story heard—something particularly necessary as many similar stories are silenced. There’s so much work to be done.

[Lori]

Motivational and Inspiring

This memoir was written by a gentleman named Dakarai Larriett, a black man who was out with a friend late one night well into the early morning hours. As he was bringing his friend home, these men were sober, and enjoying the quiet camaraderie of two friends after a fun evening. Dakarai is a businessman, working a highly visible job but his suit was back at home that night as he drove his friend home, both men sober and doing nothing to arouse concern or suspicion ; yet he couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had come over him.
And then he saw it. In his rearview mirror a police car, the flashing lights, the signal from the officers wanting him to pull over. As a black man, his mind went to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland and other victims of police discrimination, racial profiling and violence against people like him. People singled out, people like his beloved grandparents who witnessed white men in hooded cloaks burning a cross on the way home one evening years before. They, ALL of them, were HIS people. Judged as less than merely because of the color of their skin. Dakarai had been taught from a young age how to behave: no sudden abrupt movements, keep hands visible, tone respectful, ALWAYS have your driver's license, car registration and proof of insurance in an easily accessible place. He learned and followed these rules as if his life depended on it. Because someday it might. As the officers approached his window he tried not to seem nervous. They'd done nothing wrong. Surely the officers would realize they'd made a mistake and soon he'd be home in his warm bed, right? As the officers continued with their persistent questioning and issued a sobriety test and getting in little "digs" here and there at his expense, Dakarai knew these officers were not on his side and they seemed determined to haul him in which they ultimately did. His friend sat quietly. Truth, justice and a man's integrity were on the line. Dakarai opened his car door and carefully stepped out into the chilly night air...
This book held my attention and evoked feelings of sadness, frustration, and outrage at the way people are treated because their skin is a different color, their accent or culture is different, they dress differently or are "from away." As a country we are supposedly so very advanced and we solve many problems. Yet we don't seem to care enough to solve racism. It is an injustice to be treated as if you are less than or invisible merely because of the color of your skin!
A rather short but worthy read!

[Anthony]

The Review

This was such a compelling and thought-provoking read. The author expertly weaves a balance of personal storytelling and inspirational and motivational discussion, engaging readers to deliver a powerful look at social justice and the overhaul that the criminal justice system needs in the United States, as well as the many fears and hardships those who struggle with discrimination must face every day.

The author’s writing was the most powerful aspect of this book. The tension, and almost atmospheric way the author delved into those tense moments of his false arrest, from the hyper awareness of his surroundings as he drove before he spotted the police, to the calm manner he forced himself to stay in when engaging the police, and how these moments connected to the similar struggles of discrimination his grandparents and so many others had made these events feel more elevated and essential, and yet the harsh realities that this book brings to light also serves a hopeful tone, as the author showcases how finding the light in that darkness proved that a path of change does exist, if people are willing to fight for it.

The Verdict

Engaging, thoughtfully written, and memorable, author Dakarai Larriett’s “Don’t Flush” is a must-read nonfiction memoir that also serves as a social and criminal justice reform book. The expertise with which the author crafts this book, slipping from the defining moments of his childhood and his struggles both as a Black man and a Gay man, to the horrors so many face when confronted by false arrests such as this, and the inspiring direction the author takes when making a bid for the US Senate will have readers enthralled with the author’s story and eager to fight for the changes this country sorely needs.

[Shan]

Grateful to Dakarai for allowing me the chance to read his book.
This book is nicely written without the sensationalism that would send it over the top. The reader gets right into Dakarai's mind from page 1. I could feel his fear and was on the edge of seat during all his interactions with the police. I am so sorry you had to go through this horrible situation.
Dakarai took this situation and launched a great life in trying to change the justice system. A true hero! I have participated in a plethora of social justice causes and reached the point of burnout. I have beat myself up about "giving up" but take care knowing that there are people like Dakarai out there continuing to fight the good fight.
Thank you for allowing me into your world through your words. I wish you the best in life. Chin up!

[Kristine]

Must Read

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

This is a must read book for anyone who needs to comprehend the inherent racism that permeates our legal system- and I’m not talking about years ago. These events occurred in 2024. The author eloquently shows us just how easy it is for corrupt officers to ruin an individuals life simply because of the color of their skin.

How many otherwise innocent individuals have found themselves with a criminal record because of the officers that attempted to fabricate charges against Mr Larriett?

I tried to see if the court decision had been released, but as of my review of this book, I cannot find a published decision. As an attorney, I truly hope that justice finds Mr. Larriett, and that his energy spent running for office is successful.

[Michelle Glogovac]

It’s rare that we get such an intimate look into the life and experiences of a Senate candidate. In Don’t Flush, Dakarai Larriett opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his path to public service—and it’s both inspiring and necessary. His story reveals the kind of lived experience we need more of in government: someone who truly understands the struggles of the people he hopes to represent. Dakarai doesn’t just talk about the issues; he has the insight, empathy, and expertise to actually solve them.

[Antonio Burton]

Emotional and Powerful

This is both a very saddeningly emotionally charged book. Simultaneously it is inspiring in the way it sheds light on injustice and the need for legal and legislative change. It is engaging and immersive writing that really pulls you 8n. It was hard foe me to put this down despite the emotions it illicited.

[Debbie Trenker]

a powerful memoir

A good read that deals with racial and sexual bias and bigotry. A frightening journey that led a man away from being a victim and towards advocacy and steps for change