Civil suit filed against Texas DPS in 2010 incident - KFDA - NewsChannel 10 / Amarillo News, Weather, Sports
Member Center:
Amarillo, TX - The Texas Department of Public Safety is facing a wrongful death lawsuit in a local case that spans three years.
On the night of March 23rd, 2010, officers attempted to arrest 24 year-old Israel Leija, Jr. in Tulia on a warrant for a probation violation. Leija fled, leading police and state troopers north up I-27 to Randall County just outside Canyon.
DPS troopers had set up a roadblock and spike strips ahead of his path, and as he reached that point, a state trooper fired several rounds through his windshield, striking him at least four times. Leija's car then rolled several times, partially ejecting him. Leija was pronounced dead on scene, and according to court documents, there was alcohol and cocaine in his system at the time of his death.
His family then filed criminal charges against the trooper who fired, but a Randall County grand jury rejected any indictment, and he was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.
The family then filed civil charges against the Department of Public Safety as a whole, seeking unspecified damages for Leija's children. The DPS filed a motion to dismiss those charges in April of last year, but on Monday (Mar. 11), District Judge Mary Lou Robinson denied that motion.
According to federal court records, the case will be stayed for thirty days to allow the plaintiffs time to find an attorney.
FirstCapital Bank is holding a free shred week to ensure that your personal information stays personal.
FirstCapital Bank is holding a free shred week to ensure that your personal information stays personal.
The McClellan Fire in Gray County has been fully contained, according to Texas A&M Forest Service.
The McClellan Fire in Gray County has been fully contained, according to Texas A&M Forest Service.
The Locust Grove Volunteer Fire Department along with local residents and ranchers are working to help those who have lost it all in Oklahoma.
The Locust Grove Volunteer Fire Department along with local residents and ranchers are working to help those who have lost it all in Oklahoma.
As wildfire season continues to blaze on, one area city is taking steps to reduce the potential threat of blazes.
As wildfire season continues to blaze on, one area city is taking steps to reduce the potential threat of blazes.
The Portales Police Department and Major Crime Unit are currently investigating a homicide that occurred Thursday, April 19.
The Portales Police Department and Major Crime Unit are currently investigating a homicide that occurred Thursday, April 19.
 |  7900 Broadway
Amarillo, TX 79105 (806) 383-1010
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2018 Raycom Media. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
|
