A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the family of Jason Lipscomb, who was fatally shot by law enforcement officers nearly four years ago. The lawsuit, filed in 2025, alleged that the officers used excessive force during the confrontation that led to Lipscomb’s death. The judge ruled that the officers’ actions were warranted under the circumstances, primarily relying on police body camera footage from the 2021 incident.
Incident Details
The fatal incident occurred when Gastonia police and Gaston County deputies attempted to arrest Lipscomb, who was accused of kidnapping his child from a daycare center. While the officers had already secured the child, Lipscomb fled the scene and jumped into a vehicle. Security camera footage showed that shots were fired as he attempted to drive away. Despite the family’s claims of excessive force, the judge described the scene as chaotic, with Lipscomb failing to follow orders and attempting to flee.
Legal Ruling and Qualified Immunity
In the ruling, the judge explained that the officers were legally entitled to respond with force, citing precedents that allow officers to continue firing at a fleeing vehicle if the suspect poses a danger to others. The judge also emphasized that the officers were protected by qualified immunity, a legal doctrine designed to shield law enforcement officers from liability in ambiguous situations. The family’s attorney and representatives have yet to announce whether they plan to appeal the dismissal.
