Family of Sammy Yatim files multimillion-dollar lawsuit

Sammy Yatim's mother Sahar Bahadi adjusts a t-shirt tied to a street
post at the site where Sammy was shot by Toronto Police.

Toronto police showed “reckless disregard” for the life of 18-year-old Sammy Yatim, and used excessive and unreasonable force against a young man suffering an “acute emotional disturbance” on the night of his death, family members of the shooting victim allege in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit filed earlier this year.

The Star has learned that Sahar Bahadi, Yatim’s mother, and his sister Sarah Yatim filed a lawsuit in February against Toronto Police chief Bill Blair, the Toronto Police Services Board, two unnamed police officers and Const. James Forcillo, who is currently facing a second-degree murder charge for Yatim’s death.

Blasting what it calls “high-handed, shocking, contemptuous conduct of the defendants,” the suit — prepared by prominent Toronto lawyer Julian Falconer — alleges malice, negligence, incompetence and more.

Yatim’s relatives are suing for damages in excess of eight million dollars, and claim they are suffering anxiety, depression, and physical and psychological conditions.

“The force used upon Sammy was not justifiable at law. The force applied was excessive and unreasonable…,” reads the statement of claim.  (more...)

Family of Sammy Yatim files multimillion-dollar lawsuit