News photographer shot by Clark County deputy sues

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

The news photographer shot by a Clark County deputy in New Carlisle in September has filed a federal lawsuit against the deputy, Clark County and the city of New Carlisle.

Andy Grimm filed the lawsuit Thursday seeking damages and the suit calls the shooting “excessive use of force and violation of Mr. Grimm’s constitutional and common law rights.”

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The lawsuit doesn’t state a specific amount of money Grimm is seeking to cover attorney fees, injuries, damages, losses and to adequately punish and deter the conduct alleged but says it will be more than $75,000.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations is handling the investigation into the deputy-involved shooting. The bureau didn't return a phone call seeking the status of that investigation on Thursday. The sheriff's office will do an internal investigation into Shaw's actions after the state's investigation is completed.

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Grimm says in the suit he wasn’t a threat to anyone the night he was shot by Clark County Deputy Jacob Shaw. Body camera footage obtained by the Springfield News-Sun appears to show Shaw was conducting a traffic stop when he fired at Grimm.

The lawsuit also alleges Grimm’s wife, Melanie Grimm and KBA News LLC, which publishes the New Carlisle News, have suffered due to the shooting.

“Plantiff KBA News, LLC asserts loss of business profits as local law enforcement agencies have retaliated against the business in response to the events of Sept. 4,” the lawsuit says.

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Clark County Sheriff Office Chief Deputy Travis Russell declined to comment on behalf of the sheriff’s office Thursday. New Carlisle City Manager Randy Bridge also declined comment.

Clark County Prosecutor Andy Wilson didn’t immediately respond to a message seeking comment Thursday.

Shaw returned back to work in the jail in October.

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