ACLU sues Scottsdale, police over shooting death

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.

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