Anaheim is hit with legal claims over summer unrest

Police actions escalated tension and put bystanders in harm s way in the moments after officers shot and killed an unarmed man who had run from them, according to legal claims filed against the city. Eight residents of Anna Drive filed claims, seeking $500,000 each for physical injuries, emotional trauma, violations of constitutional protections against unreasonable search and seizure and other damages. The claims were filed Friday and Tuesday, city officials said. The city has 45 days to respond; if it denies the claims, the residents may file lawsuits. All claims will be seriously looked at, said Mayor Tom Tait, who had not seen the claims as of Tuesday. Sgt. Bob Dunn of the Anaheim Police Department said he could not comment. Representatives from the city attorney s office did not respond to requests for comment. Each of the claims outlines the events on July 21 immediately after police shot 25-year-old Manuel Diaz, who they said was a known gang member. According to the cathering in the 600 block of Anna Drive, questioning why police shot Diaz as he fled, and why he did not receive medical attention as he ladying. Shouting began, as neighbors called on officers to help Diaz. Officers responded with conflicting and incoherent orders, according to the claims, then brought out batons and fired rubber bullets and pepper bullets to control the crowd. In this case, police didn t follow good procedure, and they turned a bad situation worse, said Dana Douglas, the attorney representing the eight Anna Drive residents as well as Diaz's family in a separate lawsuit. Some in the crowd retaliated by throwing rocks, she said. Her clients and others, however, committed no crime, she said, and did not threaten police. At the time of the unrest, Police Chief John Welter said officers fired into the crowd in response to known gang members