Family of man killed by police officer file lawsuit

By Vince Mancini

Published on November 01, 2005

Fifty-nine-year-old Bounmy Ousa was shot several times outside his home by officer Steven Ward. Ward was sitting in an unmarked police car with partner Matt Carman while conducting surveillance on a nearby home that was scheduled for a narcotics search later that evening.

Police said Ousa approached the vehicle and spoke with the officers, who identified themselves as police and asked him to go back inside. Police claim that Ousa stepped away from the car and removed a "shiny, black, metallic object" from his waistband -- which turned out to be a flashlight.

The plaintiffs contend that Ousa was not even carrying a flashlight and that the officer conspired to delay medical care, and refused to allow Ousa's children to provide aide for him.

The suit names Officers Ward and Carman, West Valley City, and 20 other unnamed officers who allegedly participated in the cover-up.

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