The Family Of Man Shot By Richmond Police Officer May Sue For Wrongful Death
RICHMOND (CBS SF) -- The family of a man shot and killed by a Richmond police officer last week believes the officer is lying about what happened.
Relatives of Richard "Pedie" Perez say witnesses dispute the officer's claim that Perez tried to grab the officer's gun during a struggle outside a liquor store. They said the officer should be prosecuted for murder.
According to Richmond Police Chief Chris Magnus, the officer involved in this incident is a Latino, Spanish-speaking, six-year veteran with the department.
Magnus said the officer was doing foot patrol at Uncle Sam's Liquor Store at 3322 Cutting Blvd. around 12:15 a.m. Sunday, when the incident occurred.
According to Magnus, security video footage shows that the officer encountered a 24-year-old Latino man at that time who was obviously intoxicated and engaging in belligerent behavior.
"I raised my son well," said Rick Perez, the victim's father. "He wasn't no saint by any means, but I'm sure he's closer to being one right now."
Civil rights attorney John Burris and the family are demanding a full transparent investigation. They may also sue the Richmond Police Department.