The family of a teenager gunned down by police on the 101 Freeway after a confrontation in which the unarmed 19-year-old claimed he had a gun has filed a $120 million claim against the city of Los Angeles.
The sum is "equivalent to $1 million per bullet" for each bullet the family says was fired at Abdul Arian by eight officers during the April 11 confrontation, according to a press release sent by Jeffrey M. Galen, an attorney representing Arian's family.
Arian had called 911 during the pursuit and told the dispatcher that he had a gun and planned to hurt police.
During the 911 call, Arian said, "I have a gun," and "If they pull their guns, I’m going to have to pull my gun out on them."
Police later confirmed that Arian did not have a weapon on his person when he was shot.
The lengthy 911 call occurred as the man led officers through the west San Fernando Valley before he stopped his car across two lanes on the eastbound 101 Freeway near Canoga Avenue.
Arian ran from his vehicle and "took what appeared to be an aggressive shooting stance," police said.
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Arian pointed something at officers as he backpedaled away from the car and officers opened fire.
Arian’s uncle, Hamed Arian, told NBC4 that the object was a cell phone he had used to call 911.
"He was so afraid that he called 911 from the vehicle while he was being chased," Hamed Arian said.
Officers began pursuing the vehicle after reports of reckless driving at about 10 p.m. Wednesday near Plummer Street and Shirley Avenue in Northridge after the driver fled from a traffic stop.
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