In a tragic case that highlights significant issues within the Shreveport Police Department, a lawsuit has been filed alleging excessive force and civil rights violations following the death of a young African-American man. The complaint was filed by Chasity Lawrence in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on December 6, 2024, against the City of Shreveport, Louisiana, and several police officers.
The case centers around the events of December 9, 2023, when KenDeris Lawrence was riding his bicycle in Shreveport. Officers from the Shreveport Police Department (SPD) approached him under suspicion of being involved in recent thefts. Despite being unarmed and posing no apparent threat, Lawrence was pursued by officers after attempting to ride away. The pursuit escalated when officers deployed a taser multiple times over a span of 48 seconds, delivering electric shocks that led to Lawrence's collapse and subsequent medical distress. Despite showing signs of severe distress, including seizure-like activity, officers delayed providing medical assistance. He was later pronounced dead at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport due to cardiopulmonary arrest attributed to "excited delirium" with contributing factors noted in an autopsy report.
Chasity Lawrence accuses SPD officers Anthony Visciotti, Brent Outz, and Lt. Patrick McConell of using excessive force without probable cause or reasonable suspicion. The complaint alleges that these actions were part of a broader pattern within SPD involving unconstitutional seizures and excessive use of force against African-American citizens. Historical incidents involving SPD highlight similar patterns where individuals suffered from undue aggression by police officers leading to severe injuries or death.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages for emotional and financial harm suffered due to her son's death. She also demands punitive damages against those responsible for violating constitutional rights under federal law and requests that the court enforce corrective measures within SPD to prevent future occurrences.
Representing Chasity Lawrence are attorneys Patrick R. Jackson and J. Kyle McCotter from Patrick R. Jackson APLC law firm based in Bossier City, Louisiana. The case is identified as Case No. 5:24-cv-01679.