Attorney for Singh family: Officers used unreasonable force
41-year-old Misty Holt Singh killed in bank robbery chase
An attorney for the family of Misty Holt Singh -- who was taken hostage by three bank robbers in Stockton and killed by police in an ensuing chase and shootout -- said that police officers in Stockton used unreasonable force during the pursuit.
Watch report: Misty Holt-Singh's family attorney questions police action
Paul Singh, stood next to his attorney while they discussed recent developments in the investigation during a news conference on Thursday. Family attorney Greg Bentley said that protocol calls for discriminate gunfire and described the 600 bullets shot into the suspects' vehicle as excessive.
Misty Holt-Singh's husband: 'Things are not transparent'
"Chief (Eric) Jones confirmed 33 officers fired 600 bullets with full knowledge of a hostage inside the vehicle," Bentley said. "That is excessive and unreasonable force."
Bentley continued: "You don't shoot unless he or she has a clear shot of the bad guy (and) not when a hostage inside."
Police have defended officers, saying they were under constant fire and worried the violence would escalate.
Bentley said that video footage from the Stockton bank was shocking and shows Misty Holt-Singh pleading with kidnappers to let her go because she has a family.
The family did not announce plans of filing a lawsuit on Thursday.
Stockton police have asked an outside group to probe officers' response to the July 16 bank robbery that ended in the death of the 41-year-old woman.
Jones on Tuesday said he has asked the nonpartisan, Washington, D.C.-based Police Foundation to undertake the review.
Jones has defended officers' decision to fire at a car while Holt-Singh was inside, saying officers were concerned the suspects would kidnap other hostages.
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