Family to sue Madison officer over fatal shooting

Family of man shot and killed by Madison police officer last year to sue officer, city, chief

MADISON, Wis. — A lawyer for the relatives of a Madison man shot and killed by a police officer last year says the family is suing the officer, police chief and City of Madison.

Jeff Scott Olson says he’ll file the suit Thursday in federal court. The lawsuit names the city, Police Chief Noble Wray and Officer Stephen Heimsness.

Investigators say 30-year-old Paul Heenan was drunk when he entered a neighbor’s home. Heimsness said he fired after Heenan grabbed at his gun, but Heenan’s family disputes that.

The district attorney cleared Heimsness of the shooting.

Jim Palmer of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association says Heimsness will let the record speak for itself.

Madison city attorney Michael May declined to comment, saying he hadn’t seen the lawsuit. Wray did not immediately return a message seeking comment.