Family of man killed by London police sues for wrongful death
The family of a man shot and killed last year by London police filed a wrongful death lawsuit Wednesday, according to court documents.
Doug Harless, 63, was shot and killed by police who were attempting to serve a search warrant late Dec. 23, 2024, for a stolen weed eater. A mix-up in addresses led officers to Harless’ home at 511 Vanzant Road in Lily, though according to police dispatch audio and activity call logs, they intended to search a different home about 250 feet away.
Police said Harless pointed a gun at officers forcing their way into his home, and police shot him several times.
The lawsuit, filed in Laurel County Circuit Court, accuses officers of knowingly or recklessly raiding the wrong home, ignoring obvious signs that they were at the wrong address, and acting outside their jurisdiction.
The family says Harless’ constitutional rights were violated by the city of London and London police. The lawsuit alleges unlawful search, excessive force, and supervisory liability, as well as state-law claims for gross negligence, assault and battery, trespass, false imprisonment, privacy violations, outrageous conduct, and wrongful death.
“Doug Harless should have been safe in his own home,” said Tad Thomas, one of several people representing the fimly. “Instead, he was killed when police raided the wrong address, and months later, his family is still being denied answers. While nothing can bring Doug back, his family deserves truth and accountability.”
The family claims that since Harless’ death nearly a year ago, Kentucky State Police continues to withhold critical records, including the search warrant and supporting affidavit that granted the warrant.
KSP investigators say they cannot release the documents due to an ongoing investigation.
“This was a completely preventable tragedy and has left my family heartbroken,” said Harless’ daughters, Nicki Lawson and Mona Alsip, said in a news release announcing the lawsuit. “Our dad, Doug, was one of the hardest-working people we knew, always putting his family and friends first. He loved watching NASCAR, listening to music, and cracking jokes that made everyone laugh. We miss him every single day.
“No family should have to endure this kind of loss, and we want to hold the police accountable for their reckless error. As we grieve, we also ask for privacy to mourn and remember dad.”
New mayor says case resolution a priority
Just days after taking office as acting mayor of London, Tracie Handley asked the Kentucky State Police this week for information about the incident.
Handley sent a letter Monday to KSP Commissioner Phillip “PJ” Burnett Jr., asking for updates on the investigation into the fatal police shooting.
In the letter, Handley said the lack of updates from state police has fostered unrest in the community.
After the shooting, numerous “Justice for Doug” rallies took place in the town of about 7,500. Residents have said they are scared to call the police, and non-residents are fearful to visit the area, Handley said.
“The shooting death of Mr. Harless has created profound and lasting damage to the fabric of our community,” Handley wrote to Burnett. “Certain citizens of Laurel County live in fear and mistrust of law enforcement — emotions that grow stronger with each passing day that the questions from the shooting go unanswered.”
Handley specifically asked for an investigation timeline, including a realistic date of when the investigation could be completed, preliminary findings of the investigation and to release the search warrant and other non-sensitive documents from the investigation.
Handley requested a prompt response from Burnett. It is unclear as of Wednesday afternoon whether Handley has received a response.
Resignations, impeachment of officials in the aftermath
Handley was appointed acting mayor of London on Friday after the city council impeached former Mayor Randall Weddle.
Weddle was charged with 11 counts of misconduct or willful neglect, including misusing the city police department and its funds for a personal protection detail, leaving vacant an ethics commission seat and illegally signing a mortgage for a property on behalf of the city without council approval.
Weddle has said he will appeal his removal.
Former Police Chief Jerry Hollon, who held the position when the shooting occurred, resigned in May.
Assistant Police Chief Bobby Day, who has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement, was named acting chief.
Staff writer Christopher Leach contributed to this story.
This story was originally published September 10, 2025 at 11:48 AM.
