CBS/AP) LOS ANGELES - The father of Kelly Thomas, a mentally
ill homeless man who died after a violent confrontation with Southern
California police, sued the city of Fullerton Thursday alleging that a brutal
police beating led to the death of his son.
In a civil suit filed in Orange County, Ron Thomas claimed
that a violent confrontation with officers who restrained, struck and shocked
Kelly Thomas with a Taser killed the 37-year-old man.
Thomas also alleged that the city previously ignored
citizens' complaints and failed to discipline officers accused of wrongdoing,
creating a "culture of corruption and deliberate indifference."
The city's police department declined to comment on the suit
- which names the city, two former police chiefs and six officers - noting
officials have not yet had a chance to review it.
Officers detained Thomas on July 5, 2011, while
investigating a report of car break-ins at a city transit hub. What started out
as a conversation escalated into a physical conflict. Thomas, who suffered from
schizophrenia, died five days later.
Thomas' death sparked an outcry by residents, the recall of
three councilmembers, an FBI investigation and criminal charges against two of
the six officers involved. Officer Manuel Ramos is charged with second-degree
murder and involuntary manslaughter. Cpl. Jay Cicinelli is charged with
involuntary manslaughter and assault or battery by a public officer. Both have
pleaded not guilty. In May, a judge ordered that they stand trial.
Thomas's death also raised concerns among residents about
the police department's preparation to interact with the mentally ill.
Thomas' mother Cathy previously reached a $1 million
settlement with the city and agreed not to pursue any further claims. The deal
did not involve her ex-husband, Ron Thomas, whose suit seeks unspecified
damages.