Posted on: Thursday, May 9, 2002

Police, city sued over 2001 shooting of Wahiawa man

Advertiser Staff

The mother of a 20-year-old Wahiawa man who was killed by a police sharpshooter following a standoff June 3, 2001, in Wahiawa is suing the police officer who she claims fired the fatal shot and the city for allegedly using unnecessary force and depriving her son of his constitutional rights.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court yesterday by attorney Jack Schweigert on behalf of Cynthia Marie Long, mother of Dustin Dominic Long.

According to police reports at the time, Dustin Long earlier shot at a carload of youths who had attended a party at the home of Long's parents. Police said Long refused to come out of his house and was shot after firing at two officers.

The lawsuit claims police officer Patrick A. Sterling, then a member of the Honolulu Police Department's Specialized Services division or SWAT team, fired the shot that killed Long.

The lawsuit contends that Sterling and other officers made no attempt to aid Long after he was shot.

Sterling and city officials could not be reached to comment yesterday.