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A federal lawsuit has been filed against police in Washington state, alleging that they had no plan other than to use deadly force against a fugitive who was on the run in 2020. The fugitive, Michael Forest Reinoehl, had shot a supporter of a far-right group during clashes between supporters of then-President Donald Trump and Black Lives Matter in Portland, Oregon.
The lawsuit claims that the officers involved in the incident either had no plan to arrest Reinoehl without injury, made no effort to follow such a plan, or planned to use deadly force from the start. Reinoehl fatally shot Aaron “Jay” Danielson during clashes between racial injustice protesters and far-right groups in downtown Portland, which attracted Trump’s attention and further inflamed tensions in the city.
Reinoehl was killed by four officers in September 2020 when they attempted to arrest him at an apartment complex in Lacey, near Olympia. The lawsuit alleges that law enforcement officers raced through a quiet residential neighborhood in unmarked vehicles, firing more than 40 bullets and striking cars, fences, buildings, and residences. At least five bullets struck Reinoehl.
A Washington state prosecutor decided not to file criminal charges against the officers involved in the shooting. The lawsuit is seeking damages for the excessive use of force and negligence by the officers.
The U.S. Department of Justice, the city of Lakewood, and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department have not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit.
This case highlights the ongoing tensions and violence that occurred during the protests against racial injustice and police brutality that swept the country following George Floyd’s murder. It raises questions about the use of force by law enforcement and their handling of situations involving fugitives. The outcome of this lawsuit will be closely watched as it could have implications for future cases involving the use of deadly force by police..
