Idaho mom seeks $1 million for injured tot

LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) — The mother of an 18-month-old girl who was injured during an incident with Lewiston police officers seeks $1 million from the city.

The attorney who filed the tort claim said the toddler, Peighton Hawley, suffered a fractured skull, two cracked vertebrae and minor lacerations when her father landed on her after officers used a stun gun to subdue him Nov. 8. The claim alleges negligence and recklessness on the part of Lewiston officers.

“We’re claiming the actions went above and beyond their duty and procedures,” attorney Noel Pitner told the Lewiston Tribune.

Lewiston’s insurance carrier will look into the validity of the claim, City Clerk Kari Ravencroft said.

The incident began when the father of Levi Hawley, 33, told police his son was making violent threats and he wanted him removed from his home, according to court records. 

Levi Hawley initially declined to the leave as Lewiston officers surrounded the place. Deputy Chief Roger Lanier said Hawley eventually came outside, but was using the toddler as a shield. Police planned to use a stun gun to subdue Hawley, and rush in to take the girl from his arms, Lanier said. 

Hawley attempted to run and fell on his daughter when he was struck by the electric probes. Police were unable to grab the child in time, Lanier said.

“They all fell in a big heap,” Lanier told the newspaper shortly after last month’s incident. 

Police said the girl was treated at a Spokane hospital and released.

Hawley, who owns a Lewiston restaurant, was arrested on drug and gun charges, as well as felony injury to a child. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday in Nez Perce County Magistrate Court. He told a judge last month that he could not afford a lawyer.