GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- A GVSU student shot in the chest by a deputy during a drug raid is suing the deputy who fired the shot, the Ottawa County sheriff, and the county.
In March 2009, Derek Copp was living in an off-campus apartment he shared with a roommate, who was the target of a drug investigation. Earlier, an undercover deputy had purchased marijuana from the roommate, according to Copp's lawsuit.
On the night of March 11, 2009, deputies acting on a search warrant entered the apartment. One deputy, Ryan Huizenga, ran into Copp and shined a light into his face. Huizenga's gun discharged, and the bullet hit Copp in the chest.
Huizenga was later disciplined by the sheriff's department for not having his finger on his trigger guard and for not holding the weapon in the proper position. He also pleaded guilty to a charge of reckless discharge of a firearm and was sentenced to six months probation. Huizenga was reinstated to full duty, but was removed from the drug enforcement team that conducted the raid.
Derek Copp was charged with delivery and manufacturing of marijuana. He later pleaded to a lesser charge, and was sentenced to 18 months probation.
The federal lawsuit claimes Huizenga, Sheriff Gary Rosema, and Ottawa County acted with "gross negligence and willfull recklessness" in how the raid was conducted. Copp and his lawyers are asking a judge to make changes in how Ottawa County deputies use firearms and conduct searches.
Copp and his lawyers are also seeking damages from Huizenga, Rosema, and the county for the results of their alleged actions.