With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Kelly Thomas' Father Sues Fullerton on Anniversary of His Son's Death
Kelly Thomas' father is suing the city of Fullerton on the the first anniversary of his son's death after a struggle with the city's police.
The lawsuit filed by Kelly's father Ron Thomas alleges assault and battery, negligence, wrongful death and civil rights violations, according to City News Service. The suit says that Thomas' death "was the inevitable result of the culture of corruption and deliberate indifference within the city of Fullerton Police Department. The city has a long history of ignoring its officers' abusive practices and is deliberately indifferent to the violations of constitutional rights resulting from the city's customs, practices and policies."
It goes on to say that the city "condones its police officers' aggressive practices of arresting citizens without probable cause, using 'cover up' offenses such as 'resisting arrest' or 'drunk in public' and using arrests as punishment for citizens' exercise of their First Amendment rights, which its officers instead perceive as 'contempt of cop.'"
Acting Police Chief Dan Hughes declined comment to CNS. The city's attorney Dana Fox, also declined comment to CNS, because he said he had not had a chance to review the lawsuit.
Support for LAist comes from
The city, former Police chiefs Michael Sellers and Patrick McKinley, officers Manuel Ramos, Joseph Wolfe, Jay Cicinelli, Kenton Hampton, James Blatney and Sgt. Kevin Craig are all named in the suit. The lawsuit does not request specific damages, Thomas' attorney Garo Mardirossian told CNS.
Related:
Graphic Video of Police Beating Kelly Thomas Shown in Court
Officer Charged in Kelly Thomas' Death Being Held in Isolation
Kelly Thomas' Father Speaks Out, Shares Disturbing Image of Son's Beaten Face
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures. -
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump.
Best of LAist