Wife of Man Shot by Police Sues City, Police

Wayne Brunette of Burlington, Vt. had a history of mental illness

The wife of a Burlington, Vermont, man who was fatally shot by police in November 2013 has filed a lawsuit against the officers, the department, and the city.

Barbara Brunette's husband, Wayne Brunette, had a history of mental illness. Police responded to a home on a report that the 49-year-old Brunette was acting irrationally and destroying property. He was shot during a confrontation in which police said he was wielding a shovel. The officers were cleared.

The Burlington Free Press reports the lawsuit says Brunette's civil rights were violated and alleges assault and battery, negligence, loss of consortium and the intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Mike Kanarick, chief of staff for Burlington Mayor Miro Weinburger, said he expects Burlington will hire outside counsel to defend the city, police department and officers.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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