LONGVIEW, Wash. — A federal lawsuit has been filed against the Longview Police Department, alleging that officers mishandled a mental health crisis, leading to the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Katelyn Rose Smith on New Year’s Day. Attorneys Mark Lindquist and Angus Lee, representing Smith’s family, claim that police negligence and improper training contributed to Smith’s preventable death.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday, accuses officers of violating Smith’s civil rights, including claims of negligence, failure to provide reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and creating a dangerous situation that escalated the crisis.
On Jan. 1, 2024, Smith’s partner called 911 to report that she was suicidal and attempting to access firearms in their home. Dispatch informed responding officers that Smith’s partner was restraining her to prevent her from reaching the weapons.
When officers arrived, they allegedly ordered Smith’s partner to release her, despite being told she was in crisis and that firearms were in the house. According to the lawsuit, three officers drew their weapons on the partner, forcing him to comply.
Freed from restraint, Smith disappeared into the house. The officers, equipped with a 40mm less-lethal impact launcher, reportedly chose not to intervene to prevent her access to firearms. Moments later, Smith reappeared holding what attorneys said was an unloaded gun. Investigators previously said Smith pointed the gun at officers before they fired their weapons a combined total of 23 times, killing Smith at the scene.
“They knew Katelyn was having a mental health crisis, they knew there was a gun in the house, they knew the 911 caller was trying to keep Katelyn away from that gun — even knowing all that, officers screwed this up,” said Lindquist.
The lawsuit criticizes the officers for what attorneys called “officer-created jeopardy,” actions that worsened the crisis and increased the likelihood of a deadly outcome.
“Katelyn was in crisis and needed compassionate intervention,” said Lee. “Instead, the officers’ actions directly contributed to her death.”
“This tragedy was preventable,” added Lindquist. “We hope this lawsuit brings accountability and meaningful changes in how police respond to mental health crises.”
The complaint also argues that the Longview Police Department failed to properly train officers on de-escalation techniques and handling individuals in mental health crises.
Smith’s family, including her two minor children and her mother, is seeking justice through the lawsuit. The complaint seeks monetary damages to be determined at trial.
A spokesperson for the city of Longview said they cannot comment on pending litigation.