Town of Poulsbo, Washington, and its police division pays $2 million to settle a civil-rights lawsuit filed by the household of Stonechild Chiefstick, in keeping with attorneys.
Police shot Chiefstick at a park through the metropolis’s crowded 2019 Independence Day celebration. The lawsuit, counting on video and audio recordings and witness statements, alleged officer Craig Keller shot Chiefstick 12 seconds after arriving to research complaints that Chiefstick threatened somebody with a screwdriver, The Seattle Occasions reported.
The lawsuit, filed final yr by Seattle lawyer Gabriel Galanda, stated the Poulsbo Police Division had been lax in its de-escalation coaching and that Keller was susceptible to pointless makes use of of drive.
The lawsuit alleges negligence, racist policing and extreme drive.
Chiefstick was a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation in Montana, and Galanda stated he was raised in Seattle.
“This settlement is a part of accountability. It sends a message throughout this county that regulation enforcement should prioritize the preservation of life,” stated Trishandra Pickup, a Suquamish tribal member and mom to 4 of Chiefstick’s youngsters.
The Kitsap County Prosecuting Legal professional’s Workplace decided the taking pictures was lawful and the police division stated Keller acted inside coverage, citing witnesses who stated Chiefstick refused to adjust to the officer’s orders and lunged at him with the screwdriver.
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