Pubdate: Tue, 12 Dec 2000
Source: Alameda Times-Star (CA)
Copyright: 2000 MediaNews Group, Inc. and ANG Newspapers
Contact:  66 Jack London Sq. Oakland, CA 94607
Website: http://www.newschoice.com/newspapers/alameda/times/

SUIT AGAINST OFFICER ALLEGES UNLAWFUL ACT

OAKLAND -- An Oakland police officer used unnecessary force when he fatally 
shot a suspected drug dealer, according to a civil lawsuit filed in Alameda 
County Superior Court.

Filed Dec. 7 on behalf of the mother of Nathan Hornes, 36, the suit alleges 
Hornes was unlawfully shot in the neck by Officer Steve Nowak on Dec. 6, 
1999. It seeks unspecified damages for wrongful death.

Nowak maintained he pulled Hornes over at 92nd Avenue and D Street, but 
when he ordered Hornes out of the car, Hornes instead started the engine 
and tried to run him down. A loaded semiautomatic handgun and nearly an 
ounce of cocaine were found in Hornes' pants pocket, police said.

The lawsuit alleges that Nowak lied when he said Hornes attempted to run 
him down, a fabrication that is "a pattern and practice of the Oakland 
Police Department" to justify the use of deadly force.
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