18-02-2025
Mother of Club Q shooter sues CSPD for rights violations
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Laura Voepel, the mother of the convicted Club Q mass shooter, is suing the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) for violations of her constitutional rights, including unlawful search and seizure and use of excessive force.
According to a press release from the law firm representing Voepel, CSPD entered her home without a search warrant and refused to leave when asked, allegedly locking Voepel out of her home in freezing temperatures and then arresting her without probable cause. The complaint also alleges that officers used excessive force during Voepel's arrest.
The lawsuit names CSPD Sergeant Reuben Crews, Officers Matthew Anderson, Timothy Hockersmith, and Peter Mandry, and Detective Rebecca Joins as defendants. It asserts violations of Voepel's Fourth and First Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution, as well as her rights under the Colorado Constitution.
'This lawsuit is about accountability,' said Attorney Jason Kosloski. 'No matter the circumstances of an investigation, no matter how tragic, law enforcement officers must uphold the constitutional rights of every citizen. Ms. Voepel suffered severe trauma because of what these officers did, and we are seeking justice to ensure this does not happen to anyone else. It is imperative that we remind law enforcement that constitutional protections are not optional, and we will fight tirelessly to see that those who violate these rights are held responsible.'
The lawsuit alleges that CSPD charged Voepel with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct to 'justify their misconduct,' though those charges have been dropped after several years of court proceedings.
'I never imagined that I would have to fight for my own rights in my own home,' Voepel said. 'The past two years have been devastating, but I refuse to stay silent. I have lived in fear, anxiety, and distress, knowing that those who were meant to protect and serve instead disregarded my dignity and humanity. I hope that by speaking out and holding these officers accountable, I can help prevent others from experiencing the same injustice. No one should have to endure what I went through, and I want to use my voice to advocate for change and ensure that abuses like this are never repeated.'
FOX21 News reached out to CSPD for comment and is waiting to hear back.
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