Mother of vet killed by police files lawsuit
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- The mother of an unarmed and disabled veteran who was shot and killed by Las Vegas police last December has filed a federal lawsuit against the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
43-year-old Stanley Gibson, a veteran of the Gulf War, was killed after a police standoff on Dec. 12, 2011.
The shooting happened after police were called to the scene of a alleged break-in at the Alondra Condominium Complex in northwest Las Vegas.
Police encountered Gibson and pinned his car between two police cars when he did not respond to their commands to exit his vehicle.
His wife has insisted that Gibson, who suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, was probably just lost and upset and did not understand the police officers.
The police devised a plan to force Gibson out of his car using a non-lethal beanbag gun and pepper spray. However, after another police officer fired the beanbag round, Officer Jesus Arevalo opened fire shot into the vehicle seven times.
Gibson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Celestine Gibson has named three police officers in the suit -- Officer Jesus Arevalo, Sgt. Michael Hnatuick and Lt. David Dockendorf.
The shooting attracted a lot of public attention, especially since the department was already under heavy scrutiny for a death that happened a year before.
However, the shooting still has not gone before the internal Use of Force Review Board.
Celestine Gibson is asking for at least $20 million.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.