Family of man killed in 2017 CMPD officer-involved shooting files lawsuit

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The family of a man who was killed by police in north Charlotte nearly two years ago is suing the city and the two Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers involved.

According to the lawsuit, 29-year-old Ruben Galindo had mental health issues and called 911 in September 2017 with delusions of being followed.

[PAST COVERAGE: CMPD releases bodycam footage from deadly officer-involved shooting]

Police said Galindo told the dispatcher in Spanish he had a gun but when they got there, he wouldn't drop it.

Galindo also told the dispatcher he did not have any bullets and wanted to surrender the gun, according to court documents.

Body camera video shows Officer David Guerra and Officer Courtney Suggs with guns drawn.

The lawsuit claims the officers shouted commands for Galindo in Spanish but also in English, a language they should have known he didn't understand.

It also states that before Galindo could comply with any of the commands, Guerra and Suggs shot him in the chest and head, killing him instantly while his hands were above his head.

[PAST COVERAGE: Family protests Charlotte man's shooting death by CMPD]

The family claims the officers should have been trained on how to approach a person with mental illness and recognized a Spanish translator was necessary.

Neither officer was charged.

In November 2017, the district attorney called the shooting tragic but legal.

CMPD officers have been involved in four deadly shootings this year.

Cox Media Group