The family of an 18-year-old man who was fatally shot by police has filed a lawsuit alleging that excessive force was used on a streetcar last year.
The lawsuit filed by Sammy Yatim's mother and sister lists Const. James Forcillo, two unnamed police officers, Police Chief Bill Blair and the Toronto Police Services Board as defendants.
Yatim was wielding a knife inside an empty streetcar on Dundas Street near Bellwoods Avenue on July 27. Yatim was shot as police stood near the streetcar's open door.
The Special Investigations Unit charged Forcillo with second-degree murder in connection with the shooting. He is free on bail awaiting trial.
The lawsuit claims include:
- $2 million in damages for "negligence, assault, battery, and misfeasance in public office"
- $1 million in punitive damages for Yatim's estate
- $1 million for punitive damages for Yatim's family
- $1 million in damages for Yatim's family
- $1 million for "negligent infliction of mental distress" for Yatim's family
Including court costs, taxes and special damages, the total amount of the lawsuit is $8 million.
