Stonechild Chiefstick
Stonechild Chiefstick, a member of Montana’s Chippewa Cree tribe, was shot and killed by police in Poulsbo, Washington.
In July 2019 police were responding a call about a man who was menacing people with a screwdriver at the crowded event. At the scene officers found Chiefstick. They tried to arrest him. There was an altercation between officers and Chiefstick. He scrambled away and one of the officers shot and killed him. The encounter lasted about 13 seconds.
The county’s attorney said the officer will not face criminal charges, because according to witnesses Chiefstick lunged at the officer with a screwdriver in his hand. However, at least two other witnesses stated that Chiefstick tripped and fell onto the concrete path, dropping his tool as he backed away from the officer, so he was unarmed when the officer shot him.
In June 2021, his children sued the city and the police department, accusing them of using excessive force. In March 2022, the city agreed to pay $2 million to settle the lawsuit.
MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:
The department has “a policy, custom, and established practice of condoning and encouraging the type of shoot-first, ask-questions-later mentality deployed by Keller,” the lawsuit said.
“This settlement is part of accountability. It sends a message across this county that law enforcement must prioritize the preservation of life,” Trishandra Pickup, a Suquamish Tribal member and mother to four of Stonechild’s children, said in the prepared statement.
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.
Letter to Biden
Letter to Garland
