The lawsuit blames TPD for “creating the situation” that placed protesters in “direct and imminent danger by directing the crowd onto I-244.”
Hundreds of protesters were on I-244 when a pickup pulling a horse trailer attempted to drive through the mob. Videos show the crowd angrily blocking the truck as the driver allegedly placed a firearm on the dashboard while his vehicle and horse trailer were being pummeled by dozens of people.
Once the pickup slowly made its way through the angry crowd, the truck headed toward a group of troopers who instructed the driver to meet them at another location to get him away from “agitated” protesters, an OHP spokesperson said at the time, according to Tulsa World.
The civil complaint alleges that the pickup driver, who has yet to be publicly identified, was negligent when he brandished the firearm—even though any rational person would fear for their safety given the gauntlet of protesters who were blocking and striking his vehicle.
The lawsuit blames the OHP for allowing the pickup to reach the mob blocking the highway.
The city of Tulsa and Oklahoma Highway Patrol, through public information staff at both entities, declined to comment due to pending litigation.
Source: www.lawofficer.com