COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A federal judge has dismissed a wrongful death lawsuit against police in Ohio's capital city over the 2016 shooting of a man by undercover officers.
Columbus police say 23-year-old Henry Green, who was black, ignored commands by two white officers to drop his gun during the incident.
Court documents and depositions say Green shot at officers, who then returned fire.
A grand jury declined to indict the officers, and an internal Columbus police investigation cleared them. But the shooting led to criticism of the police department's summer safety initiative targeting violence-prone areas.
Federal Judge George Smith said Thursday it was reasonable to use deadly force under the circumstances faced by the officers.
Sean Walton, the attorney for the Green family, sent 10TV this statement on the ruling:
"Today, we received word that our lawsuit against the City of Columbus on behalf of the Estate of Henry Green V has been dismissed. While we respect the Court’s ruling in this matter, we disagree with the decision and believe a closer look is warranted. We will be appealing the decision in the hope that the facts and evidence in this matter will be considered fully, allowing Henry Green V and the witnesses to his killing to finally have their day in court."
The Columbus Division of Police released a statement Thursday:
"The Columbus Division of Police became aware this afternoon of today’s federal court ruling regarding Mr. Henry Green. While his loss of life is unfortunate, we continue to find ways to better strengthen the relationship with those affected by this tragedy and the community as a whole."
