Family of Ontario man killed by police files suit

TORONTO — The family of a black Ontario man killed by police after a routine traffic stop has launched a lawsuit against members of a Torontoarea force, alleging officers engaged in racial profiling and were motivated by racial prejudice. Jermaine Carby’s family is seeking at least $12 million in damages in the suit filed against the Peel regional police chief, a number of officers and the force’s board. Carby’s death highlighted issues with the controversial police practice of street checks, known as “carding,” which critics say disproportionately target young black, brown and indigenous men and women. Ontario’s government has since moved to ban the practice. The case was investigated by the province’s police watchdog, which last year decided not to charge the officer who killed the 33-year-old man, saying Carby walked towards police with a knife and refused orders to stop. But in a statement of claim filed this week, a lawyer for Carby’s mother, who is the plaintiff in the case, alleges Carby’s entire interaction with police was rooted in racial discrimination. “Mr. Carby was subjected to a street check...this street check was not lawful. To the contrary, it was an unlawful search and seizure and motivated by racial prejudice,” the document said. “This street check was not an isolated incident but rather one example of a systematic and co-ordinated policy and practice employed by the (Peel Regional Police Service).” The lawsuit contains allegations that have not been proven in court.