FDAR attorneys, Daniel Downey and Melanie Williamson secured a defense verdict in federal court in the United States Northern District of Ohio for a deputy sheriff involved in a fatal officer-involved shooting. The jury found that the Richland County Sheriff’s deputy represented by FDAR did not violate the Plaintiff’s constitutional rights.
This case stemmed from the Richland County Sheriff’s Office response to a 911 call on the evening of March 16, 2014. On this date, the decedent physically attacked his wife and mother. He fled law enforcement evading arrest only to appear at the home of his parents brandishing an object he claimed was a firearm.
The decedent pointed what appeared to be a gun from under his shirt directly at the responding deputies. The deputies engaged with the decedent trying to get him to calm down and surrender his weapon. The decedent refused commands. The deputies then heard a pop sound from the decedents’ direction and returned fire fatally injuring the decedent.
After a four-day federal jury trial, the deputy sheriff prevailed on each claim against him, including excessive force and wrongful death. Prior to trial, the County, Sheriff, and three other deputies were dismissed from the case.
The attorneys at Fishel Downey Albrecht & Riepenhoff, LLP routinely defend law enforcement agencies and their employees in federal court. If you have any questions about this case or any other matter, please contact Daniel Downey ddowney@fisheldowney.com or Melanie Williamson mwilliamson@fisheldowney.com by email or phone at 614-221-1216.