Family of Slain Washington Deputy Sues County, Claims Lack of Backup
“Pierce County knowingly put Deputy McCartney in the untenable position of responding without any immediate back-up,” part of the lawsuit said. “But for Pierce County’s failure to properly staff and train its deputies, Daniel McCartney would likely still be alive.”
Pierce County (WA) Sheriff's Deputy Daniel McCartney was killed responding to a home invasion in 2018. (Photo: Pierce County SO)
The family of a Pierce County (WA) Sheriff’s deputy fatally shot while responding to a call in 2018 has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against county, alleging deputies are not safe due to inadequate staffing.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Daniel McCartney’s family and estate Thursday in Pierce County Superior Court.
“Pierce County knowingly put Deputy McCartney in the untenable position of responding without any immediate back-up,” part of the lawsuit said. “But for Pierce County’s failure to properly staff and train its deputies, Daniel McCartney would likely still be alive.”
The lawsuit seeks damages as well as court action to prevent inadequate staffing, the News Tribune reports.
McCartney, 34, was shot Jan. 7, 2018 while responding to a home invasion robbery. He’s survived by his wife and three young sons.
The Sheriff’s Department said in a statement Friday: “Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy Daniel McCartney was tragically killed in the line of duty after confronting armed men who were attempting to escape the scene of a home invasion robbery. The suspects responsible for Deputy McCartney’s murder were identified and arrested by our detectives, and later prosecuted and sentenced to prison.
“Because Deputy McCartney’s heroic death was not caused by his fellow deputies or the county he faithfully served, the lawsuit will be defended by Pierce County. The Sheriff’s Department continues to mourn the loss of Deputy McCartney.”
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