Town Of Reading Faces Federal Civil Suit Over Police Shooting

READING, MA — A federal civil suit has been filed against the town and two police officers by the family of Alan Greenough, a man fatally shot by a Reading officer in 2018.

Greenough was shot by Officer Erik Drauschke, who was placed on leave in September after he was indicted on a manslaughter charge. Drauschke has pleaded not guilty.

The fatal encounter happened Feb. 3, 2018. Drauschke was one of several officers searching for Greenough, who fled his apartment after officers responded to a report of a domestic assault.

Prosecutors say Drauschke did not wait for backup to arrive before opening the door of Greenough's car, shooting Greenough twice as he rushed out of the car with his hands in his sweatshirt pocket, yelling, "Shoot me, shoot me!"

The town is being represented in the civil case by Leonard Kesten, who was appointed by its insurer, the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association, Select Board Chair Mark Dockser and Vice Chair Anne Landry said.

The Select Board will be given legal updates in executive session and will keep the community apprised when appropriate, Dockser and Landry said.

Previously: Family: Shooting Of Reading Man 'Never Should Have Happened'

Reading Cop Pleads Not Guilty To Manslaughter Charge

Reading Cop Indicted In Fatal 2018 Shooting