Family of Navy Veteran Settles Lawsuit for $7.5M

Introduction

Family members of a Navy veteran who died in 2020 after a police officer pressed a knee to his neck for nearly five minutes during a mental health crisis have settled a federal lawsuit against the Northern California city of Antioch for $7.5 million, according to their attorneys.

Following the tragic incident, the victim's family advocated for reforms that led to changes in city and state law enforcement responses to individuals experiencing mental health crises.

One of the family’s attorneys stated that while no amount of money can compensate for the victim's death, the family deserves commendation for their unwavering commitment to improving the relationship between the community and the Antioch police.

The lawsuit alleged that Antioch police officers used excessive force when restraining the victim. Defendants included the city of Antioch, the then-police chief, and four officers who responded to a 911 call from the victim's family. The family had called the police on December 23, 2020, because the 30-year-old veteran was in mental distress and needed help.

During the incident, one officer pressed a knee on his neck for nearly five minutes while another restrained his legs, as detailed in the complaint. After about five minutes of the prone restraint, the victim appeared to become totally unresponsive, lost consciousness, and was transported by ambulance to a hospital where he died three days later.

Antioch's mayor acknowledged that the victim’s death was a catalyst for change in the city of 115,000 people, located 45 miles east of San Francisco. “How we look at public safety is different than it was literally three or four years ago when we all thought public safety meant cops, cops, cops,” he said. “Not everything requires a police response.”

In response to the incident, Antioch police officers were equipped with body cameras, and city officials established a mental health crisis team and a police review commission. The victim's mother expressed gratitude for the policy changes and emphasized that her family's fight is not yet over. “I thank you for what has been a courageous beginning to bring about transparency and accountability to the Antioch Police Department so that it may serve our diverse community with respect and mutual trust,” she said.

The deceased veteran, who was born in the Philippines, had served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 2019 due to a food allergy, according to his family. Although he had struggled with depression most of his life, his behavior significantly changed after an apparent assault in early 2020. Following the assault, he woke up in a hospital with no memory of the incident, serious injuries, and stitches. This event marked the beginning of episodes of paranoia and anxiety, as described by his family.

The settlement and subsequent reforms highlight the importance of appropriate responses to mental health crises and the need for ongoing efforts to ensure law enforcement agencies serve their communities with respect and accountability.

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