By Amy Taxin
Associated Press
SANTA ANA, Calif. — The father of a mentally ill homeless man sued the Southern California city of Fullerton on Thursday alleging that a brutal beating by police officers a year ago led to his son’s wrongful death.
In a civil suit filed in Orange County Superior Court, Ron Thomas claimed that a violent confrontation with officers who restrained, struck and shocked Kelly Thomas with a Taser led to the 37-year-old’s death.
The lawsuit also alleges that the city previously ignored citizens’ complaints and failed to discipline officers accused of wrongdoing, creating a “culture of corruption and deliberate indifference.”
A message seeking comment was left for the Police Department.
The suit was filed on the anniversary of the confrontation between Thomas and police officers who were investigating a report of car break-ins at a city transit hub. Thomas, who suffered from schizophrenia, died five days later.
His death stoked an outcry by residents, the recall of three councilmembers, an FBI investigation and criminal charges against two of the six officers involved.
The incident was captured on videotape and digital audio recording devices worn by some of the officers during the clash.
Thomas’ mother previously reached a $1 million settlement with the city and in exchange agreed not to pursue any further claims in her son’s death. The deal did not involve her ex-husband, Ron Thomas.
Copyright 2012 Associated Press