NewsLocal News

Actions

Lawrence police say man shot by officers is to blame for his own injury

Lawrence police officer charged in shooting
Posted at 12:39 PM, Dec 13, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-13 13:39:43-05

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lawrence police say a man who was shot by officers is the one to blame for his injuries.

Court documents in a lawsuit surrounding the incident where Akira S. Lewis was shot by an officer say that Lawrence police believe Lewis did not take action to avoid harm and that his personal conduct caused his injuries.

On May 29, 2018, LPD officers stopped Lewis for not wearing a seat belt. In a matter of minutes, the stop led to Lewis body slamming one officer before another officer, Brindley Blood, shot him.

Some claimed Blood's use of her weapon was excessive use of force. She was charged with aggravated battery and resigned from the police force in January of 2019. The charges were ultimately dismissed.

Others claim Blood was justified because Lewis could be seen in the dash cam video assaulting the officers.

Lewis was charged with battery of a law enforcement officer.