Black Teen Accuses Barneys Of Reporting Him To Police After He Bought A $349 Belt

NewsbreakerA man is suing high-end clothing store Barneys because he was detained by police shortly after buying a $349 designer belt.

Trayon Christian, 19, told The New York Daily News that he filed a lawsuit against the chain because staffers "didn't believe a young black man could possibly afford to buy such an expensive belt."

Christian is an engineering student at the New York City of Technology who used his work study paycheck to buy the Salvatore Ferragamo belt, according to NYDN.

He said he gave the store associate his debit card and driver's license.

But as he left the store, things allegedly got ugly.

According to Christian, he was confronted by two police officers and accused of using a fake debit card to make the purchase.

He was then taken to police headquarters and detained shortly. Eventually, Christian was cleared. He filed suit against both the department store and the police department Manhattan Supreme Court, according to CNN.

Barneys didn't return The Daily News' request for comment. Companies generally don't comment on pending litigation.