№00165

Kevin Peterson

Kevin Peterson Jr., 21, was shot and killed by Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies in October 2020.

Police with the regional drug task force were investigating Peterson for conspiracy to deliver controlled substances. Peterson allegedly was going to sell pills to an informant. When he arrived at the meeting detectives in unmarked cars tried to stop him. Peterson ran away. Detectives ordered him to stop, but he continued and dropped a gun. Detectives allegedly ordered him not to pick up the gun, but Peterson did and continued to run.

When deputies found him, they ordered him to stop. Peterson reportedly was holding a gun in his hands. Deputies fired 34 shots as they thought Peterson was going to shoot. Peterson died at the scene.

In March 2021, Peterson’s family announced plans to sue the city and the police department and accuse them of wrongful death. In August 2021, Pierce County prosecuting attorney announced that deputies who shot Peterson were justified and will not be charged. After that, Peterson’s family announced plans to sue Clark County.

СМИ

MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:

“I think it’s unfair that people are running scared and getting shot in the back by the police. I expect more from the police,” Peterson’s mother said.
KOIN

“It is tragic that Mr. Peterson lost his life. But he made the regrettable decision to distribute drugs and, in the course of felony drug dealing, threaten to shoot the police. He took the gun with him when he unlawfully fled from the Mercedes, he retrieved it after dropping it despite commands to leave it where it was, and he pointed it at the containment officers who met him at the U.S. Bank. There was no legal requirement for the officers to allow Mr. Peterson to fire first before defending themselves,” Pierce County Prosecutor Mary Robnett wrote.
KGW

FILES

CASE STATUS:

The initiative group has requested the clarification from US President Joseph Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. The initiative group believes it is important to fight against police brutality and, if necessary, will provide legal and financial assistance to the family of the victim.