Family of Michigan Man Shot by Police Sues City

The family of a 39-year-old man who was fatally shot by three Sterling Heights police officers is suing the Detroit suburb.

A civil lawsuit filed by Matthew Moroni’s family in U.S. District Court in Detroit claims officers “unlawfully discharged their firearms at least 10 to 12 times.” The lawsuit seeking in excess of $75,000 also claims no crime was in progress Sept. 24 when police arrived at Moroni’s home.

Police said Moroni’s wife called police, saying her laid-off husband was suicidal, had been drinking and had cut himself. They say Moroni refused to put down a handgun and pointed it at them in a threatening manner.

The officers were cleared of criminal charges.

Chief Michael Reese told The Macomb Daily of Mount Clemens that city attorneys are reviewing the lawsuit.