Westerly, police sued in man's death

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- The family of a Connecticut man who died shortly after he was released from police custody in Westerly , filed a lawsuit in district court in Providence.

Criminal charges have not been filed, but t he lawsuit, filed Friday on behalf of Ryan O’Loughlin’s wife, his parents, and his estate; claims wrongful death and violations of other civil rights afforded by the U.S. Constitution.

It seeks an unspecified amount for money damages and names as defendants arresting officers former Police Chief Edward Mello, Greg Barna, Terence Malaghan, two other unnamed officers, and the town of Westerly.

The Medical Examiner's Office found O'Loughlin died of blunt-force trauma, and ruled his death a homicide. However, a grand jury later deemed the officers' actions justified and no indictments were issued.

Westerly police arrested O'Loughlin in June of 2011 for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. He was released, but died 4 hours later.