City of Longview pays $2 million to family of woman killed in officer-involved shooting
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The City of Longview has agreed to pay $2 million to the family of a woman who was killed by police while in a mental health crisis on New Year's Day 2024.
Attorneys from Mark Lindquist Law Firm say that Katelyn Smith's children and mother will be the beneficiaries of the settlement.
"We hope accountability in this case will help bring necessary improvements in how police respond to people with mental health issues," Lindquist said.
The case was supposed to go to trial next year in Tacoma.
In the lawsuit, Lindquist alleged the agency failed to train officers on how to respond to mental health crises and violated the American Disabilities Act, as well as other civil rights laws.
KOIN 6 previously reported that Smith died outside of a residence on Columbia Heights Road around 5 a.m. on Jan. 1. She was 29.
Court documents show her boyfriend called 911 that morning to inform first responders that she assaulted him in an attempt to enter his home, grab a gun and take her own life.
According to the complaint, the responding officers directed Smith’s boyfriend to stop blocking her from entering the home, despite their awareness that she wanted to enter for access to the handgun.
Plaintiffs alleged police didn’t attempt to stop Smith as she walked into the home and grabbed the weapon. When she walked back outside and pointed a gun at officers, they fired 23 rounds at her, attorneys said.
The law firm reported that the 9mm pistol was unloaded. Smith died on the scene despite life-saving efforts from emergency responders.
KOIN 6 reached out to Longview officials for comment. This story will be updated if we receive a response.