Washington city to pay $2M to settle police killing lawsuit

Town of Poulsbo, Washington, and its police division can pay $2 million to settle a civil-rights lawsuit filed by the household of Stonechild Chiefstick, in line 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 analyze complaints that Chiefstick threatened somebody with a screwdriver, The Seattle Instances reported.

WASHINGTON SWAT DEPUTY SHOT IN LINE OF DUTY HAS DIED

The lawsuit, filed final yr by Seattle legal professional Gabriel Galanda, mentioned the Poulsbo Police Division had been lax in its de-escalation coaching and that Keller was susceptible to pointless use of power.

The lawsuit alleges negligence, racist policing and extreme power.

Chiefstick, 39, was a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation in Montana, and Galanda mentioned he was raised in Seattle.

“This settlement is a part of accountability. It sends a message throughout this county that legislation enforcement should prioritize the preservation of life,” mentioned Trishandra Pickup, a Suquamish tribal member and mom to 4 of Chiefstick’s youngsters.

The Kitsap County Prosecuting Lawyer’s Workplace decided the taking pictures was lawful, and the police division mentioned Keller acted inside coverage, citing witnesses who mentioned Chiefstick refused to adjust to the officer’s orders and lunged at him with the screwdriver.