The City of Stafford has been informed that the family of Aaron Hobart plans to file a lawsuit today against the City of Stafford, its chief of police and one of its police officers in connection with the death of Aaron Hobart.
The incident was the first fatal shooting by a Stafford police officer, according to department representatives.
Hobart was shot by a Stafford police officer Jesus Estrada in February of this year after Hobart’s family called 911 with a “request for crisis intervention assistance” at their home in the 12100 block of Aspen Lane.
“Officer Estrada entered the residence to assess the nature of the emergency. Immediately upon entry to the residence, Officer Estrada was attacked by 19-year-old Aaron Hobart,” a department statement released in February said. “During the struggle, Mr. Hobart was shot by Officer Estrada.”
Hobart was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital where he later died. Estrada was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he was treated for injuries received during the struggle.
The city has released a statement today on the possible lawsuit, which reads in part:
“Both the City and the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office conducted comprehensive investigations of the facts and circumstances surrounding Mr. Hobart’s death and these investigations were presented to a Fort Bend County Grand Jury. The City understands the Grand Jury made its own further investigation and this independent body of citizens – a jury – determined the officer’s actions were justified under the deadly circumstances created by Aaron Hobart.
“All investigations have revealed that the Hobart family called the Stafford Police Department and requested assistance because both parents realized Aaron Hobart was such a danger to himself, his family and others that his family could no longer control his unpredictable and violent behavior. A police officer responded at the Hobart family’s request. Without any provocation or warning, and within seconds after the officer entered the home, Aaron Hobart charged and viciously attacked the officer. The officer believed his life was in jeopardy due to Mr. Hobart’s violent and unprovoked assault so the officer fired in self defense to stop Mr. Hobart’s potentially deadly attack. The facts developed during all investigations substantiate the officer’s report and the reasonable basis of his belief that his life was in danger when he fired.
“Accordingly, all indications are that the officer’s actions were consistent with the state-mandated law enforcement training which all Texas peace officers receive.
“While City officials are certainly sympathetic to the Hobart’s loss, it was the result of their son’s violent attack on the officer. The City is not aware of any legitimate basis for any claim against it or any of its officials or employees but it will evaluate the lawsuit thoroughly when it has an opportunity to learn of the allegations raised in the complaint. In light of the circumstances and outcome of the independent investigations which have already been conducted, the City will vigorously defend against any baseless or frivolous claims brought against it or its employees.”
Looks like this boy’s family just won the lottery!
There’s a thing called personal responsibility. The family needs to realize the man brought this on himself.