Widow sues Tunkhannock officer
Man shot to death in Winola
As law enforcement prepared to enter Brian P. Williams' home in Lake Winola to detain him in November, his mother pleaded with officers to wait until he peacefully left.
Officers "instead chose to enter the home," a struggle ensued, and Tunkhannock Twp. police Officer Mark Papi shot Mr. Williams twice, killing him, according to a lawsuit filed by the his widow, Melinda Williams.
The lawsuit, filed against Officer Papi in Wyoming County Court, alleges the wrongful death of Mr. Williams at his home off Route 307 and seeks punitive damages in excess of $50,000, as well as plaintiff's attorneys' fees and court costs.
In an investigation last month, Wyoming County District Attorney Jeffrey Mitchell said "mistakes were made while serving the mental health warrant" to Mr. Williams, including failing to establish an incident commander and communication between each other on the operation. But the district attorney found no criminal wrongdoing.
The lawsuit filed Friday revealed more detail of the incident, claiming during the standoff Mr. Williams told his wife, mother Shirley Williams and an unidentified officer he had a bag packed and was coming out.
Mr. Williams arrived at the Lake Winola residence on Nov. 7 where he lived with his wife and two of their three children after a counseling session when soon after Overfield Twp. police arrived at the home, but without any warrant, the lawsuit said. Previous reports say that the Wyoming County 911 center was contacted by Community Counseling Services because it was alleged he had threatened to kill his wife.
The Overfield officers requested assistance, and Officer Papi was among those who responded, but the lawsuit claims there was still no warrant. Mr. Williams' father, Paul, entered the home twice and spoke with his son while police were outside awaiting the arrival of a warrant.
Mr. Williams' wife was called to the scene by police, but was kept outside, the lawsuit states. Mr. Williams had several phone conversations with family, including his mother and wife.
"Instead of waiting for Williams to come out peacefully, officers took out their shields and guns," the lawsuit claims.
At least six officers used a key and entered the home through the front door. More officers entered through a basement door. Mr. Williams was inside a bedroom in the basement, behind a closed door.
Officer Papi was instructed to stay outside, but "instead chose to enter the home," the lawsuit said. No officer tried to handcuff Mr. Williams once entering the room, "which permitted Mr. Williams to get up and they then shot him with Tasers, multiple times."
The lawsuit claims Officer Papi shot Mr. Williams with a gun twice, and is the only police officer who discharged his weapon. Mr. Williams was wielding a fireplace poker when he was shot, police said. The lawsuit claims, "It was unreasonable for defendant Papi to use deadly force against an individual having a mental health issue with a two-foot fireplace poker."
Earlier this month, Officer Papi hired attorney Michael J. Zicolello of Williamsport.
Contact the writer: bbaker@wcexaminer.com