Sheriff Gillespie of the Las Vegas Police offered a $1.5 million settlement to the widow of a veteran killed in a police shooting, Frenkel & Frenkel says.
Sheriff Doug Gillespie of the Las Vegas Metro Police announced that they had reached a tentative settlement with the widow of a Gulf War veteran who was killed during a police shooting in December 2011. Rondha Gibson, who filed a lawsuit against the department in U.S. District Court, accused the Las Vegas police of violating her slain husband’s civil rights. Deadly Shooting On December 12, 2011, police responded to the Alondra Condominiums after receiving reports of an attempted burglary by a man in a white Cadillac. Police were on the scene when the suspect vehicle, driven by Stanley Gibson, a Gulf War veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress, returned to the complex. Police say that Gibson refused commands to exit the vehicle and rammed a patrol car, periodically revving his engine and spinning tires. Police devised a plan to fire a bean-bag round into the vehicle, but when the round was fired, Officer Jesus Arevalo believed the round was fired from the suspect and began shooting, firing seven shots from his .223-caliber rifle, killing Gibson. Hasty Plan Change A Police Fatality Public Fact-Finding Review said that a hasty plan change along with inadequate communication between law enforcement officials contributed to Gibson’s death. A Clark County grand jury declined to indict Arevalo, but it is unclear whether he will retain his position with the Metro Police. The officer has undergone the Use of Force Review Board process and an internal predetermination board hearing, but it will be the decision of Sheriff Gillespie regarding whether he remains on the force. When the negligent actions of another are suspected as the cause or a contributing factor in an incident that causes injury or death, a wrongful death claim may be in order. Contact Dallas-Fort Worth lawyers at Frenkel & Frenkel to schedule a free initial consultation regarding an incident where injuries may have been caused or worsened by the negligent actions of another person.
