SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — The father of a mentally ill homeless man has sued the Southern California city of Fullerton alleging that a brutal beating by police officers a year ago led to his son's wrongful death.
Ron Thomas filed suit Thursday in Orange County Superior Court, claiming that a confrontation with officers who restrained, struck and shocked Kelly Thomas with a Taser led to the 37-year-old's death.
The lawsuit also alleges that the city previously ignored citizens' complaints and failed to discipline officers accused of wrongdoing, creating a "culture of corruption and deliberate indifference."
A message was left for the Police Department.
Kelly Thomas was severely injured during the clash with officers who suspected him of breaking into cars. He died five days later.
Two officers have been criminally charged with Thomas' death.
