Woman Sues Ava Police, Claims Husband Died as Officer Knelt On His Back

                                                                                                                             by Michael Boyink/mike@douglascountyherald.com

An Ava woman has filed suit against the Ava Police Department, Douglas County, CoxHealth, The Ava/Douglas County Emergency Management, Ava Officer Kaleb Berkshire, and CoxHealth Paramedic Steve Woods.

Rachel Aumick, wife of Shane Aumick, alledges that her husband died when Ava Police Officer Berkshire knelt on Aumicks back for several minutes during an arrest that took place on April 4th, 2020. The arrest was recorded on the officers body camera.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court and consists of one count of wrongful death and two counts of civil rights violations.

Rachel Aumick, who is being represented by a Kansas City Attorney, is seeking compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorneys fees and costs.

According to court documents, a preliminary hearing has been set for June 15th, 2021.