SAN FRANCISCO -- Caleb Smith, Tamoshia Mason, K.S. and Tiffiany Trammell, as individuals and as co-successors-in-Interest to decedent Caleb Smith Jr., filed a federal complaint on October 30 in the Northern District of California against the City of Hayward and police officers Michael Miller, Christopher Suozzo and Dynaton Tran for wrongful death and excessive force.
According to the complaint, on March 16, 2021, the officers confronted a blue Volvo in a Motel 6 parking lot due to suspecting the car had been involved in prior criminal conduct. Officers did not have information on the driver of the Volvo at the time, the suit says.
Prior to backup arriving on the scene, Smith attempted to drive away, colliding with the first police SUV in the process and Tran responded by violently ramming into Smith's vehicle, the suit says. Officers allegedly exited their SUVs and immediately drew their firearms while pointing at the suspected vehicle while shouting, "Let me see your f***ing hands," the suit says.
Smith tried to drive away, resulting in the officers opening fire and killing Smith, the suit says.
Smith, Mason, K.S. and Trammell are represented by Adante Pointer of Pointer and Buelna, LLP.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California case number 4:21-cv-08467-YGR