“We need to integrate mental health and crisis intervention into all parts of our emergency response systems in order to prevent future excessive force incidents.”
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (May 24, 2021) – The City of Las Vegas was given notice last month that a lawsuit will be filed in connection with the use of police excessive force by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Force. The claim details an incident resulting in the death of Justin Charland who was shot several times by Las Vegas police outside his home on May 5, 2020, and orders the city to save all evidence related to the case. The lawsuit is expected to be filed 90 days from the notice.
“The purpose of this claim is to help the city of Las Vegas improve how they respond to mental health crisis calls,” said Christopher Brown, principal attorney of The Brown Firm, PLLC, which is handling the case on behalf of the Charland family. “We need to integrate mental health and crisis intervention into all parts of our emergency response systems in order to prevent future excessive force incidents like Mr. Charland’s death.”
The Brown Firm intends to sue the officer who shot Mr. Charland and pursue claims against the City of Las Vegas given the failures of the officers’ training and the lack of appropriate policies and procedures in place to respond to those suffering from a mental health crisis. The notice of claim also puts other City of Las Vegas government entities, including city hospitals, city mental health service providers and social workers, on notice to comply with the request that evidence in the case be maintained and preserved to ensure it is available once the lawsuit is filed.
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About the The Brown Firm, PLLC
The Brown Firm, PLLC is an historic, African American law firm based in the DC Metro area. Maintaining a tradition of excellence as legal practitioners for over 65 years, the Brown family proudly champions their clients. Focused on employment discrimination, civil rights, police excessive force, wrongful death, real estate, and commercial law matters, the Brown Firm is committed to using the law as an instrument to pursue a more equitable and just society.
