A lawsuit against the city of Burlington, Vermont, alleging police use of force and discrimination, is advancing after a judge denied the city's motion to dismiss. The case, brought by the ACLU, involves a 2021 incident where a 14-year-old Black teen with disabilities, accused of stealing vape pens from a gas station, allegedly faced threats and violence from police officers. The teen's mother, Cathy Austrian, called the police, hoping it would be a learning opportunity, but the situation reportedly escalated, leading paramedics to inject the teen with ketamine.
The ACLU argues that this incident exemplifies the city's failure to serve its community, particularly highlighting issues of excessive force used against people of color and those with disabilities. ACLU staff attorney Hillary Rich emphasized that parents should be able to call for help without fearing harm to their children. The lawsuit aims to bring accountability and change to the Burlington Police Department.
City officials contend that an investigation concluded officers and first responders acted according to city policy and state law. They note that the Burlington Fire Department reviewed the use of ketamine and now requires a doctor's approval for all sedation of combative patients statewide. In this case, paramedics consulted a doctor despite it not being mandatory at the time.
The decision to let the lawsuit against the city of Burlington move forward is a vital step in addressing systemic issues of police violence and discrimination. This case sheds light on the harsh realities faced by marginalized individuals, particularly those with disabilities and from communities of color when they seek help from law enforcement.
Link: WCAX
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