Claims Filed Against Vallejo For Alleged Cop Killer Chase

Three Vallejo residents have filed complaints against the city, claiming their properties were damaged by police officers pursuing a Fairfield man who allegedly killed police Officer James Capoot in November.

The residents are asking for $2,000 in damages and $8,750 for emotional distress, Vallejo's Risk Manager Darrell Handy said.

The Vallejo City Attorney's and City Manager's offices and Vallejo police will determine in about two weeks whether the city is liable for the damage, Handy said.

The damage includes fences and other property at homes in the Janice Street neighborhood of Vallejo.

Handy said the residents claimed police damaged their property as they chased Henry Albert Smith Jr., 37, after he allegedly robbed the Bank of America on Spring Street and ran through their neighborhood on Nov. 17.

Capoot, 45, a 19-year veteran of the Vallejo police force, was shot in the back during the pursuit. He was pronounced dead at a Vallejo hospital.

Handy said the damage claims are not common, but he could not recall a similar incident where claims were filed for property damage that happened as police pursued the suspect of a police officer's murder.

Jill Lane resident Louise Fleming is asking for $700 to repair her fence. She has not requested a specific amount for emotional stress, Handy said.

Janice Street resident Patricia Green is requesting $9,000 -- $750 to fix her two fences and the rest for emotional damage.

In her claim for damages, she said her family went through emotional stress and sought grief counseling because Capoot was a dear friend of her family.

Cheryl Black, also a Janice Street resident, is asking for $450 to fix a 16-foot fence and posts knocked down by police and $500 for emotional stress.

In her claim she said it was the first time in her 40 years that guns were pointed at her.

--- Bay City News Service