Merced man was shot and killed by an Atwater officer in 2023. His family has filed a lawsuit

The mother and estate of a man killed by Atwater police during a foot chase have filed a $20 million federal lawsuit against the city, police department, chief and some officers.

Authorities said that the Atwater Police Department tried to pull over a silver Dodge Durango driven by Korey Unti, 36, of Merced, during an investigation that day in the 1000 block of Fairway Drive on Aug. 13, 2023Unti drove away and led officers on a chase to the area of Kelso and Nashua streets. The Dodge crashed into a parked vehicle and Unti ran on foot. Officers chased him through an apartment complex in the 5000 block of Crest Road. Authorities said that during the chase Unti pulled a gun and pointed it at a pursuing officer. The officer shot Unti. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The lawsuit, filed July 1 by his mother, Hazel Unti, who claims that her son’s civil and constitutional rights were violated.

Named as defendants in the case are: the Atwater Police Department, City of Atwater, Police Chief Michael Salvador, officers Levi Crain, Matthew Bowen and Trevor Phillips.

According to the department, Crain was the officer who shot Unti.

Authorities released video of the chase and shooting, including officer-worn body camera footage and footage from a law enforcement helicopter and also released a narrative of the incident in October.

The video shows officers pursuing a vehicle allegedly driven by Unti, which then crashes into a parked car at an apartment complex.

Also alleged in the complaint is that the three officers did not comply with the California Peace Officer Standards and Training by handcuffing Unti’s arms behind his back after he had been injured.

Atwater officials could not be reached for comment.