A driver who was shot by Lawrence police caused his own damages by refusing to follow directions from officers, the city of Lawrence is arguing in its response to a lawsuit filed after the confrontation.
Akira S. Lewis sued the city, the police department, the chief and two officers after he was shot in May 2018. Besides the excessive force claim, he contends the city and department doesn’t properly train or supervise its officers.
The Lawrence Journal-World reports city filed a response recently in federal court. It argues that Lewis “unreasonably” refused to take action to avoid harm and his own conduct caused his damages.
Lewis was shot when he was pulled over by McCann, who is black, alleged he was racially profiled. After he refused to turn over his license or get out of the car, police video shows McCann trying to pull Lewis from the car. When Lewis begins hitting McCann, Blood shot him. She said later she meant to use her Taser but drew her gun instead.
Charges filed against Blood were dismissed and resigned from the police force in January.
Lewis underwent surgery. He pleaded guilty in August to battery against a law enforcement officer and was sentenced to a year of probation.
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