Responsible for killing an unarmed, mentally ill man and shooting him in the back, two LAPD officers filed a lawsuit against the city on Wednesday alleging they are victims of racial discrimination within the department. Although the cops illegally stopped Ezell Ford and violated his civil rights without any probable cause, these incompetent officers want financial restitution from the city because they have not received promotions within the last two years.
On August 11, 2014, officers Sharlton Wampler and Antonio Villegas of LAPD's Newton Area Gang Enforcement Detail saw Ford walking down the sidewalk and decided to conduct an investigative stop. According to an
LAPD press release, Wampler and Villegas exited their vehicle and attempted to talk to Ford who reportedly continued walking with his hands in his pockets.
Due to the fact that Wampler had arrested Ford for
marijuana possession in 2008, the officer had been aware that Ford suffered from depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Seeking another easy drug bust, Wampler and Villegas exited the vehicle with Villegas immediately drawing his gun for no apparent reason.
According to Wampler, Ford stepped between a parked car and some bushes when the officer suddenly grabbed the mentally ill man's right shoulder from behind. Although Wampler claimed that he suspected Ford had been carrying drugs or a weapon, neither were found at the scene.
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