Family of teen killed by Portland police officer to sue city

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Family members of a teen who was shot and killed by police last year are suing the City of Portland and the officers involved.

On Feb. 9, 2017, a Portland police officer shot 17-year-old Quanice Hayes three times.

A grand jury ruled the shooting was justified. But Hayes' family believes the officer, Andrew Hearst, acted unreasonably. Their attorney said that's the basis for the lawsuit.

Background: Grand jury says officer-involved shooting was justified

Police said Hayes was the suspect in a series of armed robberies. When officers confronted him in Northeast Portland, they said he reached for his waistband. That's when Hearst shot him. Police said they found a replica gun near the teen's body.

Related: Officer says he warned Hayes not to reach for waist

The grand jury's decision means the officer involved won't face charges.

But Hayes' family said the lawsuit is about getting justice for Quanice.

They said police have a responsibility to protect themselves, but also bring suspects into custody safely.

“As an American, Quanice had a right to live,” said Terrence Hayes, Quanice’s cousin.

While they were cousins, Hayes said the two were close and Quanice was more of a son or nephew to him.

“Quanice was not some unchangeable, wild, little guy,” Terrence Hayes said.

Through the lawsuit, the family hopes to promote awareness and affect change.

Terrence Hayes said that change could be more training and a shift in mindset when it comes to apprehending suspects.

While he recognizes that different people have different experiences, Terrence Hayes said police shootings involving African-Americans and other minorities are not a new narrative in the United States.

He also said the lawsuit is about getting to the truth since the family feels they haven't been given all of the information.

Terrence Hayes said they've set up a crowdfunding account to raise money to pay for the lawsuit. The site will be online by noon on Thursday, when family members plan to hand-deliver the notice of intent to sue to the office of Mayor Ted Wheeler.

The family is planning to hold a vigil in Northeast Portland this Friday, the one-year marker of Quanice's death. A protest is also planned for Saturday in Southeast Portland.

KGW has reached out to the City of Portland and Portland police. We were referred to the city attorney and have yet to receive a response.