Jersey City Family Sues Police Over Fatal Shooting of Man in Mental Health Crisis

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The family of Andrew Washington, a 52-year-old man fatally shot by police nearly a year ago, is suing the Jersey City Police Department. Washington was killed on August 27, 2023, during a mental health crisis, prompting his family to seek justice as they approach the anniversary of his death. They assert that they had called a crisis hotline for assistance, but instead, a SWAT-like emergency services unit was dispatched to their home. Body camera footage from the incident shows officers attempting to communicate with Washington, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. His sister, Courtnie Washington, expressed her grief, stating, "Drew was everything to us," and emphasized that there was no justification for the heavy police response. The family contends that the situation could have been handled differently, highlighting the need for appropriate mental health crisis intervention. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop refrained from commenting on the ongoing lawsuit, noting that the officers involved remain on active duty. The family's attorney drew parallels between Washington's case and other controversial incidents involving police responses to mental health crises, underscoring the systemic issues at play. Advocates are calling for legislative action, urging the full implementation and funding of the Seabrooks-Washington bill, which aims to improve mental health crisis responses. The family's legal battle reflects broader concerns about police interactions with individuals experiencing mental health challenges.