Father Files Federal Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Bay Minette Police Shooting

The father of Otis French, Jr., a Black man who was fatally shot by a Bay Minette police officer during a traffic stop two years ago, has filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit. Otis French, Sr., is taking legal action against the city of Bay Minette and the officer involved.

The lawsuit, submitted Wednesday in federal court in Mobile, alleges that Otis French, Jr. was subjected to an illegal search and seizure. Additionally, it claims that Officer Brandon Thompson used excessive force during the incident, despite knowing that French had bipolar disorder. The suit argues that Thompson failed to deescalate the situation, leading to French’s death on August 20, 2022.

At the time of the incident, police stated that French became combative during the traffic stop, wrestled the officer’s Taser away, and began using it against the officer. In response, Officer Thompson shot French, who later died at a local hospital. The officer was treated for minor injuries and released.

The lawsuit asserts that French was flagged in the police department’s system as having a mental health condition, and that Officer Thompson was aware of this. It contends that Thompson's failure to employ de-escalation techniques or seek help from mental health professionals directly contributed to the tragic outcome.

Furthermore, the lawsuit questions the legitimacy of the traffic stop itself, claiming that French was not making a turn and thus should not have been pulled over for failing to signal. It also highlights a potential conflict of interest, noting that the city's police chief chairs the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office’s Major Crimes Unit, which investigated the shooting.

The lawsuit argues that the investigation lacked independence and objectivity, falling short of constitutional and national standards for officer-involved shootings.