Ben Crump & Family Of Child Shot By Former Douglas County Deputy File Federal Lawsuit

The family of a five-year-old girl who was shot during a 2024 incident involving a former Douglas County deputy has filed a federal lawsuit against the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Prominent civil rights attorneys, including Ben Crump, Bakari Sellers, and Mario Pacella, are representing the family in the case, which was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia Atlanta Division.

The incident occurred in June 2024 when Deputy Thomas Samples pursued Rashauny Mike Palmer, a suspect involved in an attempted carjacking at a gas station in Atlanta. During the chase, Samples allegedly fired his weapon into a vehicle without regard for the safety of bystanders, striking the five-year-old in the arm. According to the lawsuit, Samples “did not attempt to ascertain or determine whether he was placing innocent bystanders in harm’s way by firing into the vehicle.”

Crump, known for representing families in high-profile civil rights cases, criticized the deputy’s actions, saying, “This little girl is lucky to be alive. Not only do we need officers like this accountable, we need to take on the departments that hire and empower them. Innocent lives are at risk, and if you can’t take that seriously then you have no business wearing a badge.”

The lawsuit further claims that Samples had a “history of violence” before joining the sheriff’s office in 2022, including being charged in a road rage incident involving a firearm. The complaint also alleges that Samples was suspended in March 2024 for participating in an “improper pursuit” that put civilians at risk. Additionally, Samples was reportedly removed from the sheriff’s office emergency response team for failing to complete a SWAT class after he “failed a basic firearms qualification course,” raising questions about the department’s vetting and oversight processes.

The family is seeking compensatory and punitive damages and has requested a jury trial. The case highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and oversight within law enforcement, particularly regarding hiring practices and training standards.

Link: Atlanta News First