CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A young man who was mistakenly shot by Corpus Christi police back in March of this year is now suing the City of Corpus Christi and the two officers involved.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court this week on behalf of Richard Salazar.
The suit claims that officers Gilbert Cantu and Jacqueline Deleon used excessive force as they were conducting a search at a westside neighborhood for a robbery suspect. At the time, CCPD Chief Mike Markle said the officers confronted Salazar and that for some reason Salazar did not comply with the officers' demands. He said when the officers saw what they thought was a weapon in Salazar's hand, they opened fire.
The object in Salazar's hand turned out to be a lighter. Chief Markle acknowledged at the time that Salazar was not involved in any criminal activity.
The young man is still said to be recovering from his injuries. The lawsuit is seeking $12.5 million in damages.