Sheriff's Office Sued for Off-Duty Shooting
By Matt Green
Published on August 16, 2005
U.S. District Judge John E. Steele refused to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit against Deputy Chad Edwards, who shot Mark Fitch Jr. during a road rage incident in North Fort Myers, Fla.
During a traffic dispute in March 2003, Fitch pulled his van over and approached a car with three off-duty deputies. Fitch broke the rear passenger window with a metal bar. Edwards exited the vehicle and shot Fitch once in the chest. Fitch later died.
Two months later, a grand jury cleared Edwards of criminal charges. Edwards soon returned to work as a deputy.
Fitch's parents contend the deputy used excessive force. They seek compensation for suffering due to the loss of their son.
The trial is expected to begin in mid-September.
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