The family of a black African American man who was certified blind and suffering from schizophrenia is planning to take legal action against a Police officer who shot him dead. According to the family, the officer used excessive force against the mentally unstable fellow.
Andre Gladen left his home to a neighbor’s place wrapped in a blanket and not wearing shoes last Sunday. That was the last time he was seen by his family. Desmond Pescaia, a tenant at the house narrated events that followed saying Gladen acted erratically and was behaving lost. He further stated that Gladen had spoken of a person being after his life and that he came to the apartment for protection on the recommendation of a person he called Ernest.
Desmond offered the victim a glass of water and $10 but declined him entering the apartment. Gladen refused the gifts and slept off on the pouch which raised concern from Desmond who went ahead to inform the Portland Police. The officer who responded, Consider Vosu, tried cuffing Gladen who resisted arrest, claiming the officer’s badge was fake. A tussle ensued and as Gladen pulled out a knife, the officer shot him thrice at close range.
Andre Gladen was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. His family has said that the incident could have been handled better and even avoided as it is not on record that the deceased was violent though he was mentally unstable. His ex-wife, Polina Krivoruk, said he was never violent even though during his bouts he always felt people were after his life.
Several members of his family have spoken about the incident expressing their disappointment and displeasure at the way the officer handled the situation. The officer in question is on administrative leave till investigations are over. Gladen’s family are already working on suing the Portland Police Bureau which is under investigation by the US Department of Justice.
