North Las Vegas police face lawsuit in deadly shooting of homeless man
A civil rights lawsuit claims a North Las Vegas police officer used excessive force in March when he shot and killed a 38-year-old homeless man.
Relatives of the slain man, David Robinson, originally filed the complaint in Clark County District Court, but the case was moved to federal court on Monday.
According to the lawsuit, Robinson was walking near the intersection of Tonopah Avenue and Woodward Street around 1 a.m. on March 10 when officer Raymond Lopez approached him.
“Then, suddenly and without warning, defendant Raymond Lopez drew and discharged his firearm without proper cause or reason,” the complaint alleges.
Robinson died from gunshot wounds to the head, according to the Clark County coroner’s office.
Police said Robinson was uncooperative when Lopez stopped him and backed away from the officer. Lopez later shot Robinson in the backyard of an abandoned home.
The lawsuit was filed against Lopez, the North Las Vegas Police Department and Chief Joseph Chronister by Robinson’s son, David Robinson Jr., and widow, Dennia. The plaintiffs are represented by attorneys Ramzy Ladah and Anthony Ashby.
Lopez had worked for the department for five years prior to the shooting. North Las Vegas police spokesman Aaron Patty declined to comment on the lawsuit Tuesday.
Contact reporter Carri Geer Thevenot at cgeer@reviewjournal.com or 702-384-8710. Find her on Twitter: @CarriGeer.
