Wichita to settle lawsuit over fatal police shooting

Settlement
Photo credit Getty

The city of Wichita plans to settle a lawsuit filed over the death of a man who was shot by a police officer in 2012.

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The city's law department has asked the City Council to approve on Tuesday a $175,000 settlement with the mother of Troy Lanning, 24.  A city spokeswoman said the settlement will be paid out of a self-insurance fund.

Lanning was shot by officer Randy Williamson in April 2012 after a police pursuit and foot chase. His mother claimed in a lawsuit filed in 2014 that Lanning was shot as he raised his hands to comply with commands and then was shot at least twice more as he lay on the ground.

The city’s lawyers argued that the shooting was justified because Williamson “reasonably perceived” that Lanning, who was holding a black bag, was a threat. The city admits no liability in the settlement.

Williamson told investigators Lanning was reaching into the bag when he shot him.

An autopsy showed Lanning was shot six times, including twice in the back. No gun was found in his bag or in the vehicle he fled from before being shot.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty