DETROIT (AP) — Relatives of a man fatally shot by a Dearborn police officer have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the officer and city.
The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press report the $10 million suit was filed Friday in federal court. It alleges the officer used excessive force and violated the rights of 35-year-old Kevin Matthews during the Dec. 23 arrest.
Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad told The News he hadn’t seen the lawsuit and declined comment. The Associated Press sent an email seeking comment from city spokeswoman Mary Laundroche.
Police say Matthews struggled with the officer following a chase into a Detroit yard. Matthews, who was unarmed, was suspected in a Dearborn theft and wanted by another police department.
Matthews’ mother, Valarie Johnson, says he had mental and emotional problems.
