Lawsuit filed against Louisiana police a year after fatal shooting

Death of Flynn Miles III sparked outrage and highlighted ongoing problem police violence against blacks in Shreveport, Louisiana. Miles, a 33-year-old black man, was killed by police after months of harassment by officers. This incident is not an isolated incident, but is part of a disturbing pattern of harassment and violence perpetrated by law enforcement in the area.

Incident

On November 5, 2023, Flynn Miles accepted a ride from Jacoby Brown in the predominantly black Sunset Acres neighborhood. During the drive, Shreveport police stopped Brown for a window tinting violation. Despite having no reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing, officers began pursuing Miles, demanding to identify him. Miles showed them his insurance number, but it was deemed insufficient, leading to him being forced out of the vehicle.

Panicked, Miles fled on foot, prompting Officer Maverick Caldwell II to pursue him. The situation escalated when Caldwell threatened to shoot Miles, who tripped and fell in the carport. Even though Miles was unarmed and trying to comply, he was shot several times by Caldwell, resulting in fatal injuries.

History of police abuse

The lawsuit, filed by Miles’ family on Nov. 4, 2024, details a long history of police abuses in Shreveport, particularly against Black residents. It highlights that Black people are more than six times more likely to be shot and killed by police than their white counterparts. The Shreveport Police Department has faced repeated allegations of excessive force and harassment, with many incidents of minor offenses escalating into violent confrontations.

For example, the lawsuit cites the January 2018 shooting of unarmed Alonzo Bagley, which led to federal charges against the officer involved. Likewise, Anthony Childs was killed in 2019 for a minor infraction related to the city’s now-repealed “sagging pants” ordinance, demonstrating systemic problems within the SPD.

The role of informants

According to the lawsuit, the pursuit of Miles began when police suspected his nephew in the shooting incident. After Miles refused to act as an informant against a member of his family, he became the subject of police surveillance and harassment. This raises critical questions about the ethics of using individuals as informants, especially when family members are involved.

As Bakari Sellers, one of the lawyers representing Miles’ family, noted, the SPD’s actions created an atmosphere of fear among residents.

Community reaction and lawsuits

The lawsuit against the Shreveport Police Department not only seeks to bring justice to Flynn Miles, but also seeks to address systemic issues surrounding police violence and misconduct. He accuses the SPD of failing to train its officers properly and of creating an environment in which excessive force is allowed to be used.

In light of these events, community members and activists are calling for accountability and reform within the police department. The tragic death of Flynn Miles III serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to change policing practices, especially in communities of color.

A Call for Change

The legacy of police violence against black people is not new: historical incidents such as Sam Cooke’s experience in Shreveport inspired the iconic song “A Change is Gonna Come.” This civil rights anthem resonates today as communities continue to fight for justice and equality.

As the lawsuit progresses, it is critical that the public remain informed and engaged in the conversation about police reform. The fight against systemic racism and police brutality must continue, ensuring that the voices of victims are heard and that justice is served.

The tragic death of Flynn Miles III is a painful reminder of the ongoing struggle against police violence in America. This is a call to action for all of us to advocate for change and hold law enforcement accountable for their actions.