Lawsuit claims Mooresville man was complying with officers when shot

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — A Mooresville man was complying with police commands when officers killed him in a barrage of gunfire from high-powered rifles, according to a new federal lawsuit filed by his widow.

Amy Craven’s lawsuit said the actions by Mooresville police officers Christopher Novelli and Alex Arndt were excessive and illegal.

Four seconds after the officers ordered Chris Craven, 38, to get on the ground, officers opened fire, hitting him approximately 20 times at close range, the lawsuit said.

Both officers said they saw Chris Craven “reach into his waistband with his right hand and pull out a pistol,” Randolph County District Attorney Andy Gregson said in summarizing the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, which found that the shooting was justified.

The Iredell County District Attorney said that to avoid conflict of interest, she asked the Randolph County DA to determine if the officers would be cleared or charged.

>> CLICK HERE to read the full lawsuit.

The officers responded to a 911 call on Aug. 2, 2020 from Chris Craven’s eldest daughter, who said he had a gun and was threatening to kill himself. They found him sitting on the front steps and ordered him to put his hands in the air. He complied, but then began to lower his hands as he followed orders to get on the ground, according to the lawsuit.

Four seconds later, officers began shooting, his widow’s lawsuit said.

“During those four seconds, Chris did not threaten any of the officers, did not approach or get close to any officer, make no attempt to flee or resist arrest, or make any hostile gesture or statement to the officers,” the lawsuit alleges. “A firearm was located several feet behind Chris’ body after he was killed. At no point did Chris pull out a weapon or gun (and point it) at any officer, much less point it at anyone, endanger or fire any shot at officers.”

Several shots went through the walls of the home, where Craven’s wife and children had taken cover. One hit a fire extinguisher, causing its contents to explode, the lawsuit said.

Channel 9 anchor Allison Latos spoke with Amy Craven following the shooting and asked her if she thought her husband was complying with their commands.

“Absolutely,” Amy Craven said. “That’s why I have been fighting for the truth.”

Amy Craven’s lawsuit also names the Town of Mooresville as a defendant. It accuses the officers of excessive force, violation of constitutional protections against illegal search and seizure, negligence and gross negligence, assault and battery, wrongful death, among other claims.

Channel 9 has reached out to the Town of Mooresville as well as the Mooresville Police Department for comment. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

(WATCH BELOW: SBI investigating deadly officer-involved shooting in Mooresville)