Suspect Shot in Low-Speed Pursuit Can Sue Officer

A Tacoma, Wash., police officer who shot and paralyzed a suspect at the end of a low-speed car pursuit isn’t entitled to qualified immunity from suit, the Ninth Circuit ruled Monday.

A police officer attempted to stop Than Orn for driving without his headlights on. Orn was driving with a suspended license and was under the influence of crack cocaine. Rather than pull over immediately, he drove back to his apartment complex.

Orn led officers on a roughly 15-minute pursuit, during which he traveled 25–35 miles per hour and stopped at traffic lights and stop signs. In the parking lot ...