COLUMBUS, Ohio — The family of Donovan Lewis has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Ricky Anderson, the Columbus Division of Police officer who fatally shot Lewis while serving a warrant last year.
Attorneys Rex Elliot, Ben Cooper and Michael Wright, who are all representing the Lewis family, announced the lawsuit on Thursday.
In addition to Anderson, officers Chance Knox, Harry Dorsey, Jack Randall and Justin Dodrill who were present at the time of the shooting were named in the lawsuit.
The incident happened on Aug. 30, 2022, in the 3200 block of Sullivant Avenue. Officers were at the scene to arrest Lewis on multiple warrants including domestic violence and assault.
Police bodycam footage shows Anderson opening a bedroom door in an apartment and immediately shooting the 20-year-old, who was in bed.
Lewis appeared to be holding a vape pen before he was shot. No weapon was found.
Officers handcuffed him, carried him outside the apartment and performed life-saving measures. He was taken to Grant Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
According to the coroner’s report, Lewis died within minutes of being shot. He was shot in the abdomen and the bullet damaged internal organs before becoming lodged in his pelvis.
Toxicology testing found nicotine and THC in Lewis' blood. The report does not indicate if Lewis was under the influence at the time of his death.
Anderson, who is a 30-year veteran with the division, was placed on administrative leave. No charges have been filed at this time.
According to Anderson's personnel file, there have been 10 citizen complaints including the use of force and violating police rules since 2001.
In May 2004, Anderson was "terminated for cause by the Director of Public Safety." The Department of Public Safety said the termination was not related to the use of force.
Anderson then won his job back after challenging the decision alongside the Fraternal Order of Police.
The Columbus City Attorney's Office sent the following statement:
“While BCI completed their investigation into the facts of this incident, we have not yet seen the contents of that report because it is currently at the County Prosecutor’s Office awaiting grand jury presentation. We have just received a copy of the lawsuit this morning, but are still reviewing it and have no further comment at this time.”