SALEM, Mass. – The family of a Massachusetts man who was stopped at a sobriety checkpoint and died in police custody has rejected a finding that officers did not use excessive force.
Kenneth Howe's wife and daughter are criticizing a prosecutor's decision this week not to bring criminal charges against the arresting officers. The district attorney says poor health contributed to the death of the 45-year-old Howe.
Officials say that a year ago, Howe struck a trooper and was subdued after a foot chase, then became unresponsive while being booked at the state police barracks. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.
A medical examiner had ruled that the death was a homicide and the cause was blunt impact to the head and torso with chest compression.
The family is suing.