Spangenberg, Shibley & Liber LLP Files Suit
For Wrongful Shooting On Behalf Of 37-Year Old Quadriplegic

On December 10, 2008, the lawyers at SS&L filed suit in federal court in West Virginia against the Sheriff of Hancock County on behalf of Charles Penson, a 37-year old Ohioan who was shot multiple times in the neck and back rendering him permanently quadriplegic.

On April 18, 2007, Hancock County Sheriff Deputies lured Mr. Penson to a private residence in Newell, West Virginia under the false pretenses of meeting Mr. Penson’s auto mechanic. In reality, the Sheriff’s Deputies intended to serve a federal arrest warrant on Mr. Penson.

As he approached the rear door of the house, Mr. Penson was shot in the neck. Mr. Penson then attempted to run to his vehicle, and was shot multiple times in his back as he attempted to flee. Charles Penson was unarmed.

As a result of multiple gun shot wounds, Mr. Penson is permanently quadriplegic. He has no use of his arms or legs and requires 24-hour care.

Wrongful Shooting Litigation

Law enforcement may only use deadly force when faced with the threat of imminent death or serious physical injury to themselves or others, or when the suspect has committed a crime which has caused or threatened death or serious physical injury. In addition, it is generally unlawful to use deadly force to stop a suspect from attempting to flee from arrest. For these reasons, Mr. Penson claims the shooting which left him permanently and significantly disabled and disfigured was unlawful. Specifically, he claims the Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputies violated his constitutional rights, including his right to be free from unlawful arrest and seizure and the use of excessive force.

Police Misconduct Attorneys

If you have any questions about this case or are interested in a co-counsel relationship for civil rights cases, please contact police misconduct attorney Peter Brodhead or attorney Nick DiCello.
Call Spangenberg, Shibley & Liber at 877-696-3303 in Ohio.