MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Family of teen killed in CHOP sues Seattle, King County, Washington state

Jul 20, 2020, 4:44 PM

chop murder...

A car sits in the Capitol Hill Organized Protest zone following a shooting in Seattle early Monday, June 29, 2020. At least one man was killed and another was wounded early Monday morning when they were shot in the protest area known as CHOP, after driving the vehicle into the area. (AP Photo/Aron Ranen)

(AP Photo/Aron Ranen)

The family of a 19-year-old shot and killed at the CHOP in June has filed a claim against the City of Seattle, King County, and Washington state for the wrongful death of Horace Lorenzo Anderson.

Police release body cam footage after CHOP shooting

The claim alleges that Seattle officials created a dangerous environment and personnel failed to protect or medically assist Anderson. Per state law, a claim must be filed before a lawsuit.

Anderson was shot multiple times early June 20. Witnesses say Seattle Fire and Seattle Police stood by and declined to assist the teen as he bled to death. In fact, the claim cites a video posted on social media showing a man yelling at medics, “You guys could be saving this man’s life right now. … You could be saving his life. … Sir, please explain, what’s going on? He’s dying. He needs your help.”

Anderson was taken to Harborview Medical Center in a private vehicle. He later died at the hospital.

Police said they responded to the scene after reports of gun shots in the area. SPD said officers tried to find a shooting victim, but were met by a violent crowd that prevented them safe access to the victims. They were later informed that CHOP medics took Anderson and another victim to Harborview.

Anderson’s mother wants answers for her son’s death.

Sixty days after filing the claim, Herrmann Law Group will file a lawsuit in federal court. The firm represents Anderson’s mother, Donnitta Sinclair.

Lawyers Lara Herrmann and Mark Lindquist issued a joint statement: “The actions and inaction of city officials have been outrageous in numerous ways. Lorenzo’s family needs justice. The community needs the truth. Seattle government needs to be more transparent and accountable.”

In eight days, there were five shootings in the CHOP area with six victims. Police did not reclaim the East Precinct until after the final shooting incident on June 29, which left a 16-year-old dead and a 14-year-old injured.

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Family of teen killed in CHOP sues Seattle, King County, Washington state