Paul Braswell

Deadly force

Police officers were investigating Paul Braswell, 29, and Philip Belton, 39, for alleged illegal weapons dealing. Police followed the pair as they completed several alleged gun sales from a pickup truck. After the third sale, several police vehicles moved in to block Braswell and Belton at an intersection. Belton, who was driving, panicked and jammed it into reverse, hitting an officer and a other blocking his rearward escape. Belton then went forward, hitting the officer and the car in front of him. At this point, eight officers began firing into the pickup truck a total of 74 times. Belton was hit 10 times but survived. Braswell was killed. Police alleged vehicular assault. All officers cleared of criminal wrongdoing. The Braswell family has filed excessive force civil lawsuit.