SCOTTSDALE, Ariz -- The family of a man shot by Scottsdale police officers has filed a lawsuit against the officers involved claiming negligence in their handling of the incident.
Last November, Scottsdale Police received a 911 call from David Hulstedt, who was reportedly distraught and paranoid. Hulstedt was at his North Scottsdale home with his 3-year-old daughter. Concerned for the safety of the child, officers were dispatched and surrounded the home.
Family members, who were also at the scene, say they pleaded with police to let them see Hulstedt in an attempt to defuse the situation, but police refused. Hulstedt reportedly told police that if they didn't allow him to see his brother he would throw his daughter to the ground.
Eventually Hulstedt emerged from the home holding his daughter; he was unarmed. A neighbor caught the incident on video tape. The video shows Hulstedt being shot by police snipers. Police say they were forced to shoot, fearing Hulstedt was going to injure his daughter.
The child received a head injury as she landed on the sidewalk after Hulstedt was shot. She was airlifted to a nearby hospital and later made a full recovery. Hulstedt, who was shot twice in the abdomen, survived the shooting but is now paralyzed and will require special care for the rest of his life. His family calls the the shooting a botched response by Scottsdale police.
Attorney's for the City of Scottsdale representing the police officers deny any liability and say they cannot comment any further due to pending litigation.
Hulstedt will be arraigned in court tomorrow on charges of kidnapping and abuse charges stemming from the incident.
