Family of man killed by Minneapolis police sues, allege mental health crisis ignored

The family of Andrew Tekle Sundberg has initiated a lawsuit against Minneapolis police, alleging negligence in failing to send mental health crisis personnel during a standoff that resulted in his death. Despite being informed of Sundberg's known psychological issues, officers did not dispatch a mental health crisis team, violating his civil rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Cindy Sundberg, his mother, stated, “We lost a beautiful human and miss him every day,” emphasizing the need for justice. The lawsuit demands over $100,000 in damages and calls for reforms in police training related to mental health encounters. The standoff began after a neighbor reported gunfire, and ended with police using non-lethal methods, including tear gas and a 40-mm weapon.

Sundberg's parents pleaded with officers not to harm their son as they arrived on the scene. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office previously determined that the officers were justified in their use of force. This case highlights ongoing concerns about how law enforcement handles individuals experiencing mental health crises.