LAS VEGAS (AP) — A federal civil rights lawsuit has been filed against the police department in Las Vegas and one of its officers who faces charges in the chokehold death of an unarmed man.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports the lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court in Las Vegas seeks damages on behalf of Tashii Brown's children. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and suspended officer Kenneth Lopera are listed as defendants.
Authorities have accused Lopera of killing the 40-year-old Brown using an unapproved martial arts-type neck hold after a chase through restricted areas of a Las Vegas Strip casino and a struggle. He's been charged with involuntary manslaughter and has not arraigned.
Police did not immediately return a request for comment from the newspaper.
Brown also used the name Tashii Farmer.