WASHINGTON COP SUES MAYOR WHO SAID HE ‘DESERVES TO DIE’

In a Facebook post about the shooting, Wapato Mayor Tony Guzman called Officer Michael Campos a murderer and said Campos "deserves to die in prison."

By Phil Ferolito

Yakima Herald-Republic
February 4, 2017

WAPATO, Washington -- Included in the claim are several letters from area police officers fearing for the safety of Officer Michael Campos, and saying he could be targeted as a result of the shooting and that Mayor Tony Guzman's web postings contributed to a hostile working environment.

However, contacted this afternoon, Wapato Police Chief Dave Simmons said there's been no evidence that Campos faces any enhanced danger.

"As of this date, there is nothing that we've been able to find -- we've done our due diligence checking social media -- that puts him in any more danger than any other officer," Simmons said.

Meanwhile, Campos has been working away from the streets in a detective position to allow him time to re-acclimate, Simmons said.

Original Story:

Wapato police Officer Michael Campos has filed a $1.5 million claim against the city for comments Mayor Tony Guzman posted on social media about Campos after the officer fatally shot a man during a domestic violence call last July.

In a Facebook post about the shooting, Guzman called Campos a murderer and said Campos "deserves to die in prison."

Following investigations by two outside law enforcement agencies, the Yakima County Prosecutor's Office ruled the shooting justified.

Campos, who was placed on paid leave following the shooting, returned to work last month.

In his claim, Campos said he's suffered defamation and the mayor's comments created a hostile work environment for him.

The city has until Feb. 7 to respond.

If the city ignores the claim, Campos plans to sue the city, said his attorney, Bill Pickett in Yakima.