The family of Doug Martin has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Oakland Police Department, alleging that officers used excessive force that led to his death in 2023. The lawsuit, filed in Alameda County Superior Court, claims that Martin, a 42-year-old Black man, was unarmed and posed no threat when he was shot by police during a traffic stop.
Details of the Incident
According to the complaint, Martin was pulled over on August 12, 2023, for a minor traffic violation. Body camera footage shows that Martin complied with officers' commands, but within minutes, an officer fired multiple shots, striking Martin in the chest and abdomen. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The lawsuit states that the officers did not provide medical aid for several minutes after the shooting.
The Oakland Police Department has not commented on the lawsuit, but an internal investigation is ongoing. The family's attorney, John Burris, stated, "This is a clear case of excessive force. Doug Martin did nothing to justify being shot and killed. We are seeking justice for his family."
Legal and Community Response
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for wrongful death, civil rights violations, and negligence. It also calls for policy reforms within the Oakland Police Department. Community activists have rallied in support of the family, demanding transparency and accountability.
According to data from the Oakland Police Department, there have been 15 officer-involved shootings in the city since 2020, with 8 resulting in fatalities. Martin's case has drawn renewed attention to police use of force, particularly against Black individuals.
The family is also requesting that the court appoint a special master to oversee police training and use-of-force policies. The next court hearing is scheduled for September 15, 2026.
