Family Of Kevin Peterson Files Federal Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Clark County Sheriff’s Office

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) – The family of a Black man has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in federal court against Clark County in southwest Washington, alleging that its law enforcement has a “policy, custom and established practice” of allowing officers to wrongfully wield deadly force.

KOIN-TV reports the lawsuit filed Thursday comes after prosecutors declined to charge the Clark County deputies who shot and killed Kevin Peterson Jr. during a drug sting in October 2020.

The deputies fatally shot the 21-year-old as he ran from police with a gun during a drug bust in Hazel Dell, near Vancouver.

A sheriff’s office spokesperson says officials will not make comments on ongoing litigation.

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