Former college student shot by deputy files suit

GRAND RAPIDS (AP) -- A former Grand Valley State University student who was shot by an Ottawa County sheriff's deputy during a drug raid two years ago has sued the deputy, the county and the sheriff's department. Derek Copp's complaint was filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court and alleges the shooting was "not an accident." The suit claims Deputy Ryan Huizenga was guilty of gross negligence and assault when he shot the then-20-year-old in the chest during a 2009 drug raid. Copp says officers with the West Michigan Enforcement Team were negligent, reckless and used excessive force. Copp was shot in the chest and suffered two fractured ribs, and liver and lung damage after Huizenga's gun, a .40-caliber Glock, discharged as officers entered his apartment. An undercover officer previously had purchased small amounts of marijuana at least three times there. "Huizenga pulled the trigger while the gun was pointed at an unarmed, non-threatening, harmless citizen," Copp's attorney, Fred Dilley, wrote in the lawsuit. His client spent nine days in the hospital and, since his recovery, has had trouble sleeping and required counseling, Dilley wrote. Copp was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Dilley says police should have known Copp didn't pose a threat, because they had been in the apartment for previous undercover pot buys. Ottawa County Undersheriff Greg Steigenga declined comment on the case, but county attorney Doug Van Essen says the shooting was an accident. "I don't think there is any question the deputy did not intend to shoot. There was a confluence of events that happened. I think there was a number of startle reflexes, and there was an accidental discharge," Van Essen told The Grand Rapids Press. Copp, who graduated with a degree in film and video, is spending a few months at a Tennessee monastery that focuses on inner transformation through yoga and meditation before moving onto a film-related job this summer, Dilley said. Huizenga was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm and sentenced to probation, community service and a fine. He also was removed from the West Michigan Enforcement Team and reassigned to road patrol. Copp was sentenced to probation, community service and a fine on a marijuana charge. The Holland Sentinel says the lawsuit doesn't specify an amount sought in damages. Dilley says he also wants a judge to rule on whether Ottawa County sheriff's deputies are using proper policies and training for drug raids. Published: Thu, Mar 10, 2011