Police sued over shooting

Relatives of a Las Vegas man who was slain by police two years ago filed a lawsuit Monday against the Metropolitan Police Department and said officers violated the man’s civil rights when they shot him to death in his home.

Police shot Chuck Walthers, 44, on Nov. 11, 1991, after he answered the door of his mobile home with a gun in his hand.

The lawsuit was filed in District Court and lists the following plaintiffs: Walthers’ wife, Judy; Duane Clary, special administrator of Walthers’ estate; and Debra Giles, guardian on behalf of Chuck Walthers Jr.

Walthers was at his 4800 E. Cheyenne Ave. mobile home with his girlfriend when three police officers arrived at the residence in response to a disturbance call.

"The Metro officers knocked upon the door of Chuck Walthers’ but would not identify who they were, even after repeated inquiries by Chuck Walthers from inside his residence," the complaint said.

A coroner’s jury ruled after an inquest that the officers’ actions were justified.

The lawsuit’s claims include deprivation of civil rights guaranteed by state and federal constitutions, battery, assault, trespass and negligent training.