CINCINNATI (AP) — The family of a black man fatally shot by a white police officer as he held an air rifle inside an Ohio Wal-Mart has sued the officers involved, the police chief, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and the city.
John Crawford III was shot Aug. 5 inside the store in the Dayton suburb of Beavercreek. Police responded after a 911 caller reported Crawford was waving what appeared to be a firearm.
The family has sought a federal investigation to see if race was a factor.
The lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court charges negligence and that Crawford’s civil rights were violated.
Beavercreek’s city attorney, speaking for the city and police, says they believe the evidence will prove the officer’s actions were legally justified. A Wal-Mart spokeswoman says Wal-Mart employees acted properly.
