Excessive police force alleged in lawsuit

PEORIA -- A lawsuit filed in Peoria County Circuit Court alleges two Peoria police officers used excessive force in the fatal shooting of a man last year.

The wrongful death lawsuit filed Tuesday stems from the April 26 shooting of South Peoria resident James E. Lee and his girlfriend Jessica Flowers by officers John Peterson and Robert McMillen.

Berve Power Junior contends Lee was unarmed and the use of deadly force by officers was excessive and unwarranted.

According to Power, Flowers maintains police officers shot through a closed door of her residence.

Flowers, who Power called an "innocent bystander" was shot in the right hand, an injury that has permanently disabled her. Both Lee and Flowers are plaintiffs listed in the lawsuit, which is seeking in excess of $100,000 per person.