Ohio city denies claims in suit over fatal Walmart shooting

COLUMBUS (AP) — Police in a southwest Ohio city deny allegations of civil rights violations and negligence in the death of a black man who was shot by a white officer while holding an air rifle inside a Walmart, the city’s attorneys said in response to a lawsuit by the man’s family.

John Crawford III was shot Aug. 5 when police responded to a 911 call reporting a man waving what appeared to be a firearm at the store in the Dayton suburb of Beavercreek. Police said the pellet rifle appeared to be real, and a grand jury concluded the shooting was justified.

Crawford’s family sued in federal court, contending that the officers were reckless, unreasonably used excessive force, weren’t properly trained and caused a wrongful death and emotional distress, among other allegations. They say Crawford, 22, was shopping and talking on a cellphone and did nothing wrong.