Apr 15, 2016 - Significant Cases by StruckLove Firm
In Mullenix v. Luna, No. 14-1143 (U.S. Nov. 9, 2015), the Supreme Court afforded qualified immunity to an officer accused of excessive force when he shot and killed a fleeing, intoxicated suspect from an overpass. The suspect led officers on an 18-minute chase at speeds of up to 110 miles-per-hour, and twice called 911 and told them that he had a gun and threatened to shoot at the pursuing officers. The Court held that the officer did not violate a clearly established Fourth Amendment right under the circumstances: the officer confronted an intoxicated, fleeing fugitive who had twice threatened to shoot police officers and was moments away from encountering other officers at the overpass.
Tags: Case Update, Government Liability