Law Suit:"The worst law enforcement tragedy in the history of Washington state, was completely preventable,"

Families of slain Washington state police officers file suit
By the CNN Wire Staff
April 8, 2010 9:05 p.m. EDT

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Four police officers were shot to death in a Washington state coffee shop last year
Families of three of the officers have filed a $134 million lawsuit against Pierce County
Lawsuit says jail didn't heed warnings that should have kept gunman behind bars
Family of fourth officer has filed suit against friends, relatives of suspect in case

(CNN) -- The families of three police officers shot to death in a Washington state coffee shop last year are suing a county in the state, alleging its jail didn't heed warnings that should have kept the gunman behind bars, officials announced Thursday.

"This catastrophe, the worst law enforcement tragedy in the history of Washington state, was completely preventable," the lawsuits said.

The families are seeking a total of $134 million in damages against Washington's Pierce County.

A spokesman for the Pierce County Sheriff's Department announced the suits on Thursday.

Investigators identified the man who killed the three Lakewood, Washington, officers as Maurice Clemmons, an ex-convict who had served time in Arkansas before being jailed on charges in Washington state.
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Families of slain Washington state police officers file suit