Lawsuit Planned On Kelly Thomas Case Anniversary

FULLERTON (AP) — The father of Kelly Thomas plans to file a lawsuit on the anniversary of the clash with Fullerton police that led to the homeless man's death.

Ron Thomas will announce details of the suit at a news conference Thursday. A spokeswoman for Thomas' attorney declined to say Wednesday who Thomas will sue.

Kelly Thomas suffered from schizophrenia and was severely injured on July 5, 2011, during a confrontation with six officers who suspected him of breaking into cars. He died five days later.

The encounter was captured on video and raised issues about whether officers are adequately trained to deal with the mentally ill.

Thomas' death stoked an outcry by residents, the recall of three council members, an FBI investigation, and criminal charges against two of the officers.

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