State agrees to pay $2.5 million settlement to man shot 16 times in bed



SEATTLE (AP) — The Washington Corrections Department has agreed to pay $2.5 million to a man who survived being shot 16 times by a corrections officer and a King County sheriff's deputy in 2012.

The Seattle Times reports (http://is.gd/XTifFB) the settlement comes shortly after a federal judge ruled that Dustin Theoharis' excessive-force claim should be heard by a jury. The judge's order raised serious questions about the officers' actions.

King County earlier agreed to pay Theoharis $3 million.

The man was shot in his bed by Deputy Aaron Thompson and Corrections Officer Kristopher Rongen on Feb. 11, 2012, after officers went to an Auburn-area home and took into custody another man sought for violating community supervision.

Theoharis said he woke from a nap to find two people pointing flashlights at him, with one asking for ID. He says he reached for his wallet and was shot. The officers said they believed he was reaching for a gun.

To read and see an earlier Q13 FOX News story on this case, click here.