Unarmed Man's Death: Lawsuit Against Mesa Police Department

The Mesa Police Department is being sued for the mass shooting that led to the killing of an unarmed man. Mesa Swat Team Sniper Shawn Freeman shot Shawn Gagne, an unarmed man in the head through a window, after which the rest of the Mesa SWAT team fired their weapons, ultimately causing the man's death.

Officer Shawn Freeman's Troubling Record: Mesa Police Department Under Scrutiny

Officer Shawn Freeman of the Mesa Police Department has a concerning track record of being involved in shootings, violent assaults, and being sued for violating Civil Rights. His pattern of aggressive conduct is evident in both on-duty and off-duty situations.

The Mesa Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Ken Cost, should be accountable for the excessive force and inappropriate behavior exhibited by their officers in Mesa, Arizona.

Mesa Police Chief Ken Cost, The Mayor of Mesa John Giles, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, Arizona POST and others have continuously failed to address Officer Shawn Freeman's repeated instances of violent misconduct committed both on and off duty.

Exposing the Discrepancies: The City of Mesa Version of events vs. the Reality of Mr. Gagne's Death

The City of Mesa's statement regarding the shooting was misleading. Officer Freeman shot Mr. Gagne in the face through a window. Gagne, after informing the negotiator of being shot in the face, followed instructions to approach the front door unarmed with his hands raised. As Mr. Gagne descended the stairs as directed, he was mercilessly shot from multiple directions, causing him to fall down the stairs while repeatedly declaring his surrender. The negotiator remained on the line during this tragic event.

Contrary to official reports indicating medical treatment was rendered, gas was deployed and Mr. Gagne was tased before being handcuffed while unresponsive and without vital signs for around 20 minutes before any medical treatment was attempted. 

The City of Mesa Police Department's version of events does not align with the reality of what happened to Mr. Gagne. Sniper Shawn Freeman ignoring the status of negotiations shooting Gagne in the face and the subsequent lack of proper aid are only some of the troubling aspects of this incident. The use of gas and tasers before rendering aid is concerning, especially since Mr. Gagne was motionless and unresponsive. 

The discrepancies between the official statements and the actual sequence of events highlight the need for a thorough investigation into the actions of the officers involved.

Upholding Justice: The Mesa Police Department's Responsibility in Addressing Officer Misconduct

The failure to address Mesa Police Officers violent and criminal behavior not only reflects poorly on the Mesa Police Department but also undermines the public's confidence in law enforcement.

Speak up against injustice and advocate for change by reaching out to Mesa Police Chief Ken Cost, Maricopa County District Attorney Rachel Mitchel, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, The Arizona Peace Officers Training and Standards Board (AZ POST), and Mesa Mayor John Giles. If you have knowledge of any instances of police misconduct, brutality, or criminal activity by law enforcement in our community, don’t stay silent.

You can submit a report to the DOJ and the FBI online, and even though Mesa Police Internal Affairs rarely disciplines its officers for wrongful behavior, you can still try to file a complaint here. While it is true that the Professional Standards Unit or Internal Affairs may choose not to discipline the Officer or take necessary action, it is important to consider the significance of creating a paper trail. By documenting any incidents or concerns, you are not only holding individuals accountable but also establishing a tangible record that could potentially assist future victims of Mesa Police.