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Family Files Wrongful Death Suit In Teen's Death
Edgar Ivan Lopez, 17, was shot by Brownsville police and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents following a chase in a stolen Chevrolet Suburban shortly after 1 a.m. Saturday.
Lopez became a safety threat when he aimed the speeding SUV at officers, officials said.
The shooting is under investigation by police and Customs officials who have not named the officers who discharged their weapons or said who fired the fatal shot or shots.
The officers involved are on administrative leave with pay pending the investigation's findings.
Less than 72 hours after his death, Lopez's family filed a wrongful death and excessive force lawsuit against the Brownsville Police Department, the city of Brownsville and the U.S. Customs Service in the 103rd state District Court late Monday afternoon.
The family's attorney, Bruce Tharpe, said they are seeking damages but filed the lawsuit primarily to get answers about Lopez's death.
The family filed a motion on Tuesday to perverse the stolen Suburban as evidence and to allow them to inspect it and determine how many bullets were fired and by whom.
Tharpe said the family is also requesting that the case be presented before a grand jury to determine if police or federal agents committed any wrongdoing.
Gabi Garcia with the Cameron County District Attorney's office said prosecutors announced on Saturday that they intend to present the case to a grand jury as soon as possible.
Police on Monday said Lopez was part of an auto theft ring that stole vehicles for Mexico's Gulf Cartel. Four others have been arrested in connection with the suspected criminal enterprise, including a 15-year-old boy who was held on the day of the shooting.