The family of a black man who was fatally shot by a white police officer in an Ohio Walmart store has settled a wrongful death lawsuit with the city.
Beavercreek Police officer Sean Williams shot John Crawford III, 22, soon after he picked up an unpackaged pellet rifle that he found on a store shelf in August 2014.
The police department says Williams was reacting to a 911 call that a man inside the store was carrying a rifle.
The family's lawyer, Michael Wright, says the city and Crawford family reached a $1.7 million settlement agreement and police policy changes.
Wright says the family intends to move forward with a wrongful death lawsuit against Walmart, which is scheduled to go to trial on November 2.
“I guess it’s somewhat bittersweet for the family,” says Wright. “They're happy that one portion of this case is being resolved. They’re still fighting for justice for their son. You know, this has been a pretty long fight for the family.”
A federal grand jury declined to indict Williams in the case. Beavercreek officials say the settlement is not an acknowledgment of liability but say they reached the agreement for the family.
