The job of a policeman can be difficult in Tennessee and elsewhere in the country. It can be dangerous and an officer never knows from one call to the next when one may be confronted with a life-or-death situation. One recent incident in Memphis ended in the death of a black man who was wanted in connection with an alleged shooting. The man’s death could result in a wrongful death civil lawsuit.
On a recent Wednesday evening, officers presented felony warrants at a home in Frayser. A man was seen getting into a car after which he reportedly rammed a police vehicle. He then allegedly exited the vehicle holding a weapon at which point the officers opened fire.
There has been no information released as to what kind of weapon the man was said to be holding. Nor was it disclosed how many times the man was shot nor how many officers opened fire. The man who died had two young children and a third one on the way. The man who was shot was wanted for questioning in a previous car theft and shooting. A person had reportedly been shot multiple times during the theft but did survive.
A person who is accused of a crime in Tennessee is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The use of lethal force in apprehending a suspect should be considered as a last resort. A person who has lost a loved one as a result of a police-involved shooting may wish to consult with an attorney. A knowledgeable attorney can review the facts of the case and help the client to determine if a civil suit for wrongful death is a viable option.