SAN ANTONIO – The wife of a man who was killed by a San Antonio police officer is suing the officer, the San Antonio Police Department and the city of San Antonio.
The lawsuit filed Friday seeks damages and punitive damages for numerous reasons, including, pain, suffering and mental anguish, medical expenses and funeral expenses. No dollar amount was specified.
The lawsuit claims that Antronie Scott's civil rights were violated when Officer John Lee opened fire on him Feb. 4 in the parking lot of the Wood Hollow Apartments, near Isom and East Ramsey roads.
Lee was asked to stop and arrest Antronie Scott, who was wanted on outstanding warrants after being spotted by undercover officers. The officers weren't allowed to apprehend the suspect because SAPD policy prohibits officers who are not in uniform or in marked vehicles to make stops.
Scott's wife, Elena Scott, was in his car at the time and wasn't injured.
In addition to the civil rights violation claims, the lawsuit said SAPD's policy and procedural manual on excessive force "gives vague and conflicting instructions to officers on when and under what circumstances force can be used. These conflicting policies ultimately allow officers to determine if deadly force is required based upon their individual judgment without specific guidelines.
"These policies, among others, led to the shooting of Mr. Scott at a time when there was no immediate threat to the life of the officer in violation of his constitutional rights. The defendant's use of excessive action ... caused Scott's death," the lawsuit said.
Police Chief William McManus said that Lee shot Antronie Scott because the officer feared for his life. Scott wasn't armed with a gun and was holding a cellphone in his hand when he was gunned down.
In a Feb. 8 "Spriester's Sessions" interview with KSAT 12 News anchor Steve Spriester, McManus said that a "re-engineering use of force" is needed so that officers are better trained on when deadly force should be used.
Lee, a 10-year veteran, is on administrative duty while the investigation is conducted.
The case has been turned over to the Bexar County District Attorney's Office for review.
The San Antonio City Attorney's Office said it cannot comment on the case because, as of Monday afternoon, it had not yet been served with the lawsuit.
SAPD's internal affairs is also investigating.
To read a copy of the lawsuit, click here.