The Eugene Civil Liberties Defense Center filed an amended federal lawsuit against the city of Eugene and its police department this week. The filing names several officers whom they claim violated the rights of individuals during last year’s May 31st protest.
The May 31 protest was part of nationwide protests calling for an end to police brutality following the killings of George Floyd and Brianna Taylor.
In the CLDC initial filing, officers had not been identified, but are now being included after identities were revealed during a discovery process.
They’re also calling for the removal of Sgt. William "Bill" Solesbee, or at least asking he be placed on desk duty.
According to the complaint, Solesbee was one of the only officers to shoot 40 mm plastic-tipped shotgun shells at people shortly after an 11 p.m. city-wide curfew went into effect.
Many who were shot allegedly had their hands up and yelled they were going home. One incident alleges Solebee had fired at the porch of a student residence, Campbell Club, while individuals were helping a friend inside.
Solesbee was found guilty in 2012 for using excessive force on Josh Schlossberg, an environmental activist who was filming officers during a 2009 protest.
In a statement, CLDC Director and Attorney Lauren Regan said Solesbee’s name was reoccurring throughout the discovery process and “one we’ve all seen far too many times in association with police brutality against protesters.”
This story may be updated.
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