The mother of a former Florida Atlantic student who was killed by Boca Raton Police Department has filed a lawsuit against the city in federal court, claiming that the BCPD did not prepare its officers to deal with people who suffer from psychotic instabilities.

Adam Donohue, who was 20 years old and a member of the FAU Rugby Team at the time, was unarmed when shot by officer Brian Pare during what police described as a “violent struggle” around Spanish River Boulevard and North Military Trail.

“Donohue’s death is the direct result of the city of Boca Raton’s Police Department’s failure to properly train and/or supervise its police officers in dealing with suspects believed to be suffering from serious psychotic breaks,” says Clearwater attorney Luke Lirot in the lawsuit.

Donohue was emotionally unstable when the officers were dispatched, Lirot explained. It was reported that he was running through the streets and allegedly told a woman on NW 20th Street that he wanted to pass away.

Donohue’s mother, Arlene Grimm, heard from her son’s friends that he had tried LSD the night before, possibly resulting in his deranged behavior.

Meyme Mesa, a friend of Donohue’s who was present during the incident, told the University Press in a previous interview that “[Donohue] jumped out of this taxi when he heard the cops coming and started hitting these cars’ windows, trying to get in.”

Following an investigation review, officer Pare was cleared in October 2013 of any wrongdoing. Lirot is looking for an undefined amount in damages for Grimm.
Wesley Wright contributed reporting to this story.