The family of a woman who reportedly threatened Baltimore police officers with a gun filed a wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday against Baltimore County and the officer who shot her.
Korryn Gaines and the police had an hours-long standoff in August, when Gaines barricaded herself and young son in her apartment after police arrived at her door with an arrest warrant. The lawsuit, filed by attorney J. Wyndal Gordon, alleged that police officers shot Gaines out of frustration and not fear, reports ABC2 News.
The lawyers claim that officers fired at her because they grew tired of the seven-hour standoff.
“We believe that Korryn Gaines was assassinated on this day because she was against police brutality, she took a stand against police brutality,” Gordon said.
The suit also claims officers entered Gaines’ apartment illegally because they managed to get a key from the apartment manager.
Gaines’ neighbor, Ramone Coleman, claimed he heard Gaines ask to examine the warrant, only to have officers refuse, according to the lawsuit. He also alleged that officers took over his apartment and drilled holes in the wall to monitor Gaines’ actions.
According to police officers at the time, no one answered the door when police identified themselves. When officers finally entered the apartment, they found Gaines, armed with a shotgun, holding her five-year old son in her lap. (RELATED: Police Shoot Woman Who Allegedly Threatened Them With Gun)
Gaines pointed her gun at officers during the standoff, according to Police Chief Jim Johnson. Gaines, at one point, aimed the gun at officers and allegedly threatened to kill them.
The officer responded by firing at her and Gaines fired back. The officer fired again, killing her.
“It’s an unfortunate situation. Our police are highly trained, but of course we are always going to investigate these circumstances thoroughly,” said Kevin Kamenetz, Baltimore County executive.
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