Crime & Safety
Banta Family Files $15 Million Wrongful Death Suit
The suit claims that the 22-year-old hairdresser was no threat to Walnut Creek police when they shot him on Dec. 27.
The family of . has filed a $15 million lawsuit against the four Walnut Creek police officers who shot the 22-year-old man to death on Dec. 27, according to the Contra Costa Times.
The suit alleges that officers arrived at 3:15 a.m. to the Creekside Drive apartment complex, responding to a 9-1-1 call from Banta's roommate's girlfriend. When officers entered the apartment, one saw Banta at the top of the stairs and backed up, causing the other officers to trip, which caused them to panic and begin shooting at Banta.
Police say that Banta was at the top of the stairs when they arrived, brandishing a 10-inch knife. When they ordered him to drop it, he charged at them and they fired.
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The incident is still being investigated.
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