Another demonstrator is suing Austin and an APD officer after being shot with a beanbag round

Austin is being sued in civil court by another demonstrator who was struck by so-called “less-lethal” rounds during protests over police violence and racial justice in 2020.

On Tuesday, Bomani Barton filed a civil suit against the city and the Austin police officer he claims shot him three times with beanbag rounds on May 30, 2020.

Barton says he had his hands up during a demonstration outside the Austin Police Department when he was shot in the hip by the officer, Kyu An. He turned away from the officer and was then shot in the elbow and then in the face, his complaint says.

An, a six-year APD veteran, is also facing criminal charges in the incident. He is one of 19 officers indicted for using less-lethal weapons in the protests.

The city is currently facing 11 lawsuits over the use of the ammunition and has so far paid out more than $13 million in settlements to four demonstrators.

A city spokesperson said in a statement that the city would “handle this (lawsuit) respectfully and fairly.”

“Each case is different, and we will review the facts and circumstances and advise our clients as appropriate,” the statement said.

This story was produced as part of the Austin Monitor’s reporting partnership with KUT.

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