Lakewood Settles Leonard Thomas Suit For $13 Million

LAKEWOOD, WA - Lakewood has settled the Leonard Thomas wrongful death lawsuit for $13 million, the Seattle Times is reporting. That's less than the $15 million award granted to Thomas' family in July 2017, a punishment that Lakewood police called "incomprehensible and demoralizing."

Thomas was shot and killed in 2013 by Lakewood police sniper Brian Markert who was part of a regional county SWAT team commanded by Lakewood Chief Mike Zaro.

Lakewood police responded to a Fife home in May 2013 as part of a response by the Pierce County Metro SWAT team. Initial reports indicated that Thomas, 30, was involved in a domestic dispute. After an approximately four-hour standoff, Thomas emerged on his porch holding his 4-year-old in his arms. He was unarmed when he was shot.

About $11.5 million of the settlement will be paid by the Washington Cities Insurance Association, according to the Seattle Times. Lakewood will be on the hook for $1 million in damages.

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