BALTIMORE 鈥� The family of a man who was fatally shot by a police officer in Maryland last year has filed a federal lawsuit against the officer and his police department.
Eric Sopp鈥檚 family alleges in the lawsuit reported Tuesday that the officer who shot the 48-year-old last November escalated the encounter 鈥渨ith a suicidal and depressed man鈥� and barked conflicting commands before shooting him 鈥渨ithout justification.”
The lawsuit also claims Baltimore County police officers 鈥渞outinely use excessive and deadly force鈥� during encounters with people who are dealing with a mental crisis.
Prosecutors have said the shooting was justified.
The police department declined a request for comment by The Baltimore Sun.
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