Father Sues Police Chief, Officers in Son’s Death
A man has filed suit in federal court against Police Chief Ted Cooke and three officers, alleging that police used excessive force when they shot and killed his 21-year-old son during a confrontation early this month.
The suit, filed by Renato Syfu on Monday, demands $20 million in damages for the Dec. 7 shooting of his son, Ryan Syfu.
City officials declined to comment on the suit but have said that Syfu’s shooting was justified because he threatened the officers.
Police said Syfu was carrying a rifle and bayonet and wearing a green camouflage jacket when he ignored orders by police to drop the weapon. Police say Syfu turned toward the officers with his weapon in hand, causing them shoot.
The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, says Syfu was holding the weapon by the barrel, in a vertical position. The suit also says that Syfu was shot in the back.
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