Clearlake wrongful death claim tossed

<p>The Clearlake City Council has rejected a $30 million wrongful death claim filed by the family of a man who was shot and killed by a city police officer.</p><p>The council decision lifts a barrier to the filing of a civil lawsuit stemming from the death of David Vestal, 63, on Aug. 14 at a mobile home park on Old Highway 53.</p><p>Police said they went to the home in response to call about a disturbance when Vestal appeared in the doorway and leveled a shotgun at officers.</p><p>The family says Vestal was unarmed.</p><p>"It is our understanding that when David Vestal came out of the residence, he was shot without warning. He did not have a shotgun or any other firearm," said Lakeport attorney David Anderson, who is representing the family.</p><p>Clearlake Police Lt. Mike Hermann said an investigation by the Lake County District Attorney's Office, which is pending, should clear up the issue.</p><p>A shotgun was found at Vestal's side, he said.</p><p>"We don't think there's going to be any wrongdoing on the part of the officers," Hermann said.</p><p>His department has refused to identify the officers involved in the shooting, though they apparently have returned to duty.</p><p>The claim also alleges civil rights violations, severe emotional distress, assault and battery, false imprisonment and physical injuries.</p><p>The claimants include Vestal's daughter, Shavon Marie Vestal, her 3-year-old son, Jadin, and Jadin's father, Sean Paul Bremer.</p><p>Shavon Vestal and Bremer contend they were falsely imprisoned the night of the shooting.</p><p>Police said Bremer engaged in an altercation with police before the shooting and was arrested. Shavon Vestal was booked on a no bail warrant.</p><p>The family denies there was a fight at the home preceding the arrival of police, Anderson said. They say police came to the home in response to a call that a firearm had been stolen, he said.</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer Glenda Anderson at 462-6473 or glenda.anderson @pressdemocrat.com.</p>