ACLU sues Scottsdale, police over shooting death
Sep 24, 2012, 12:38 PM | Updated: 12:38 pm
PHOENIX — The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Scottsdale and Scottsdale Police in the shooting of an unarmed man holding a baby.
John Loxas Jr., 50, was killed instantly in February after being shot in the forehead by police while holding his 7-month-old grandson. His daughter Alexandria Loxas said her father was shot by Officer James Peters without warning despite being unarmed.
“My father was ripped from my son’s arms by a bullet from a man who used his badge of authority as an excuse for poor judgment and target practice,” she said.
The officer, now retired, had been involved in five previous deadly police-involved shootings.
Scottsdale Police said they are still reviewing the case and have been informed that the Maricopa County Attorney will not be seeking criminal charges in the matter.