Family of autistic boy killed by San Bernardino deputies files lawsuit

A lawsuit has been filed against the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for the death of a 15-year-old autistic boy.

KNX News’ Brian Douglas reported deputies responded to a family dispute over chores that led to a mental health crisis for Ryan Gaynor. When deputies arrived, Gaynor exited the house holding a gardening tool, and they shot the teen.

DeWitt Lacy, a partner at the BNCL Law Firm who’s representing Gaynor’s family, said this shooting didn’t have to happen.

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“100% it could have been prevented in a number of different ways. In fact, law enforcement officers are trained to execute the tactics that allow them to de-escalate these types of scenarios and situations without resorting to any use of force at all,” Lacy said.

The lawsuit also details the mistreatment of Gaynor’s family members, who were restrained, threatened, and denied the ability to give aid to Gaynor as he was dying.

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