SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) — Parents of a mentally ill man who was shot to death during a struggle with police at Cal State San Bernardino are suing for wrongful death.
Authorities say Bartholomew Williams, a graduate student who was bipolar, was off his medication and acting irrationally when he battled with three officers in December.
The Riverside Press-Enterprise (http://bit.ly/105O4eK ) says a federal lawsuit was filed on Tuesday against the state, the university and its police chief alleging wrongful death, negligence and violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Barbara and Paul Williams contend that police should have called mental health professionals or Williams' family.
Attorney James DeSimone says he hopes the suit will spur changes in how law enforcement agencies handle encounters with the mentally ill.
The university declined to comment on the suit.
___
Information from: The Press-Enterprise, http://www.pe.com
