Oregon Family of Man Slain by Salem Police Sues

The family of a man shot to death by Salem police last year is suing the Oregon city and two police officers for wrongful death.

The Statesman Journal reports the lawsuit was filed in federal court last month on behalf of Chase Hammer’s estate.

A grand jury in December cleared a Salem police officer in the fatal shooting and found that the 26-year-old Hammer ignored police orders to stop and show his hand on Oct. 21, 2012.

The family’s lawsuit claims Hammer was despondent and in chronic pain but was not violent. It alleges Hammer did not point his gun or threaten anyone.

A Salem police spokesman referred questions to the city attorney’s office, which declined comment because of the pending litigation.