A family attorney claims a Southern California police officer didn't follow procedures when he fatally shot a 17-year-old driver who authorities say pointed a realistic fake gun at him after she collided with his marked unit.
Attorney S. Lee Merritt says Friday that if the Fullerton officer had followed protocol he wouldn't have engaged without assessing the situation. He says that might have saved the life of Hannah Williams, who he contends was having a mental health crisis.
Merritt has filed a $25 million claim against Fullerton. Hannah's car collided with the patrol car on a freeway in Anaheim July 5. Fullerton police have released bodycam video showing the girl pointing something at the officer, but say they haven't drawn any conclusions on whether he acted within policy and law.
