News

Cops Seek Deposition Delay in Beavercreek Wal-Mart Shooting Lawsuit

By:
Posted on:

< < Back to cops-seek-deposition-delay-in-beavercreek-wal-mart-shooting-lawsuit

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Two policemen who confronted a man carrying an air rifle in an Ohio Wal-Mart want a court to let them wait to give formal statements about the deadly police shooting in a lawsuit while a federal criminal investigation is pending.

Their attorneys say the Beavercreek officers face an “impossible” choice: Either they give statements that could contribute to a potential criminal case against them, or invoke their right against self-incrimination and skip an opportunity to defend themselves in the civil case.

Twenty-two-year-old John Crawford III was shot in August 2014 after a 911 caller reported someone waving a gun. Investigators determined Crawford picked up an air rifle from a store shelf.

His family’s attorneys say police previously testified and shouldn’t get to “pick and choose” when they discuss the shooting.