A Minnesota sexual assault suspect who was shot by police after hiding naked in a dumpster two years ago has filed a lawsuit against the Saint Paul Police Department for shooting him while “unarmed” and “attempting to surrender.”
The lawsuit, filed Monday on behalf of Joseph Washington, claims he followed officers’ orders and was “naked, unarmed and attempting to turn himself in” to police when he was bitten by a K-9 in November 2020, FOX 9 reported.
The officer who used the K-9 is charged with “unnecessary and excessive use of force.”
Another officer, the lawsuit says, shot and wounded Washington in another case of “unnecessary and excessive use of force.”
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A suspect who was shot by police after hiding naked in a dumpster two years ago has filed a lawsuit against the Saint Paul Police Department for shooting him while “unarmed” and “attempting to surrender.”
(Sao Paulo Police)
According to the lawsuit, the officers’ use of force caused Washington to suffer “physical pain and trauma; emotional trauma, anguish, and anguish; permanent physical injuries; diminished quality and enjoyment of life; and medical expenses.” .
The city of St. Paul and officers Anthony Dean and Colleen Rooney are the defendants in the lawsuit, which says their actions violated Washington’s Fourth Amendment rights and further alleges assault and negligence.
Washington requests that the court grant a judgment against the defendants on all claims. It also seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages, and reasonable attorneys’ fees.
The lawsuit, filed Monday on behalf of Joseph Washington, claims he followed officers’ orders and was “naked, unarmed and attempting to surrender” to police when a K-9 bit him in November 2020.
(Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office)
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Before the incident with the police, Washington was identified as a suspect in a violent sexual assault against his ex-girlfriend. Ultimately, he was charged with three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of kidnapping, and one count of second-degree assault.
The vehicle in which Washington and his victim were traveling crashed before it broke into a nearby home. The homeowner alerted authorities, and officers arrived to find Washington hiding naked in a dumpster.
The city of St. Paul and officers Anthony Dean and Colleen Rooney are the defendants in the lawsuit, which says their actions violated Washington’s Fourth Amendment rights and further alleges assault and negligence.
(Sao Paulo Police)
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The police tried to talk him out of the dumpster and an officer deployed an irritant. Washington then got out of the dumpster and ran towards the officers, who used Tasers and a K-9 officer in an effort to stop him.
Officer Dean then shot him at least twice. No firearms were found in the dumpster or where Washington was shot. Dean was later relieved of duty by him.
