NEENAH, Wis. – The widow of a man killed during a hostage standoff at a motorcycle shop has filed a $3.5 million claim against a Wisconsin city and three police officers.
Michael Funk was killed during the Dec. 5 standoff at Eagle Nation Cycles in Neenah. His widow, Theresa Mason-Funk, filed her claim Thursday, according to the Appleton Post-Crescent Media (http://post.cr/1UQ3Iu3 ). The law firm representing her said in a news release that the city has 120 days to decide if it will resolve the matter without litigation.
According to court documents, Brian Flatoff, 45, took hostages inside the motorcycle shop and began shooting when police arrived. He faces 16 felony counts, including murder.
Authorities have said Funk left the shop after officers retreated and stepped into an alley, where he encountered police who say he was armed and wouldn't drop his gun as he was told.
Neenah police have said one or more officers opened fire on Funk and that the gunman inside also may have shot at him. Funk's wife, attorney and longtime business partner have all said he was a hostage who shouldn't have been killed.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice is investigating.
Neenah City Attorney Jim Godlewski says the shooting is still under review. The three officers were placed on paid administrative leave after the shooting and returned to desk duty on Dec. 28.
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Information from: Post-Crescent Media, http://www.postcrescent.com
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