DETROIT – A $25 million lawsuit is alleging a Detroit police officer stumbled and began recklessly shooting into a crowd of people at a block party.
The lawsuit has been filed against the city of Detroit and two police officers.
The shooting happened in June 2024 near the intersection of Florence and Trinity streets on Detroit’s west side. Two bystanders were shot, including a 19-year-old woman who died after two weeks in the ICU.
The lawsuit was filed Tuesday, June 3, by the family of the teen.
“Neighbors called 911 to report the incident, one of them describing it as a ‘massive shootout,’“ said then-interim Police Chief Todd Bettison. ”The scene was very chaotic. The scene was loud. People were screaming -- some were in pure distress."
Bettison said the officers were responding to what they believed was an active shooting.
The lawsuit claims that a police officer stumbled as she entered the backyard of the home and began shooting into a crowd of partygoers. At the same time, another police officer is alleged to have begun shooting into the crowd.
19-year-old Imani Peterson was shot in the stomach. According to the lawsuit, a medical examiner determined her cause of death to be homicide.
The lawsuit alleges the Detroit Police Department and the City of Detroit used excessive force, violated Peterson’s civil rights, and that the two officers were grossly negligent.
The family of Imani Peterson is seeking $25 million for the shooting of Imani Peterson, leading to her death. The claim includes compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, along with interest, costs, attorney fees, and additional equitable relief.
The lawsuit can be read below.