Family of Man Shot, Killed by Rawlins Police Files Lawsuit

RAWLINS, Wyo. (AP) — A family of a Colorado man who was shot and killed by two Rawlins police officers has filed a lawsuit against the city.

John Veach of Fort Collins, Colorado was shot and killed by Sgt. Jared Frakes and Officer Joe Balestrieri on Dec. 30, 2015 in the parking lot of a gas station.

According to the complaint filed Nov. 16 by lawyer Qusair Mohamedbhai, Frakes and Balestrieri shot and killed Veach "execution style" while he was trying to drive away from the officers.

The lawsuit claims the officers used deadly force against Veach and violated the fourth and 14th amendment.

Uinta County Attorney Loretta Howieson Gerrard ruled that the shooting was justified last year.

Attorney Richard Rideout, who represents the city, did not respond to messages Friday.