Damages sought in shooting
SANDPOINT — The widow of a Coolin man who was shot to death by a Bonner County sheriff’s deputy is seeking $5 million in damages.
Counsel for Robin Johson contends deputies involved in the Sept. 26 shooting of Craig Johnson were improperly trained in arresting subjects, de-escalating confrontations and the use of force, according to a tort claim filed in 1st District Court on Monday.
The claim, which serves as a notice of intent to sue if damages are not awarded, asserts that Craig Johnson was not posing a threat when a deputy opened fire. Johnson, 50, was hit twice and died before he could be evacuated by a Life Flight air ambulance.
“Claimant contends officers provoked and caused the shooting, and their conduct exhibits fundamental unconstitutional training by the county entity named herein in the use of force,” Hayden attorney April Linscott said in the claim.
The claim contradicts an Idaho State Police assertion that Johnson pointed a loaded handgun at one of the deputies, prompting him to respond with deadly force.
State police said Robin Johnson asked the sheriff’s office to conduct a welfare check after being unable to contact him or receive return phone calls from her husband.
“Craig Johnson immediately confronted the deputy by pointing a handgun at him and threatening him. The deputy sought cover behind his vehicle until he was able to safely retreat and leave the property,” state police said in a news release.
Craig Johnson became the subject of a $30,000 arrest warrant for aggravated assault, a felony. Deputies were attempting to serve the warrant when the deadly confrontation occurred, state police said.
State police identified Shawn Deem as the deputy who shot and killed Craig Johnson.
The shooting remains under investigation by the North Idaho Critical Incident Task Force, which recently concluded its investigation into an officer-involved shooting of Adam Deacon Foster
Bonner County does not comment on pending tort claims. If the county denies the claim, Robin Johnson would be free to pursue damages through a civil litigation in district court.
Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.