On November 25, 2012 a vulnerable, emotionally upset 47- year-old, Rickey McFadden (hereinafter “McFadden”), who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and who had $20.00 in his pocket, went to the CVS in Leonia to purchase a pack of cigarettes which he did almost daily for the past 10 years, was shot by 3 or 4 Leonia and Palisade Park, NJ police officers. Upon information and belief the police officers filed 17 shots among them, the first of which caused McFadden to fall to the ground in agony. The Leonia Police Department their agents, servants, and/or employees and the Palisade Park Police Department their agents, servants and/or employees knew of McFadden’s vulnerablity, because McFadden made numerous monthly calls to the Leonia Police Department claiming that there were gas leaks in his apartment that were ultimately unfounded. He also claimed, inter alia, that the Virgin Mary was on his roof and that the spirits were taking to him. McFadden had no prior run-ins with the law except as the result of an automobile accident which occurred in July of 2012.
Although McFadden was carrying a small home kitchen knife, he showed no signs of being a danger to himself or others as he did not approach anyone with the knife. Upon responding to a call from CVS, the officers approached McFadden two blocks from the CVS and surrounded him by no less than four police officers who pepper sprayed him and then shot at him 17 times. There is no question that McFadden is yet another victim of unreasonable and excessive force used by the police, police brutality, reckless disregard, racial indifference and multiple civil rights violations.
McFadden was alive, suffering and moaning in pain for several hours. He was transported by ambulance to Hackensack University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. McFadden left behind 5 children.
4. Damages are claimed by Charrley Vinson as Administrator Ad Prosequendum for the Estate of Rickey McFadden for medical bills, conscious pain and suffering, wrongful death, survivorship benefits including past, present, and future loss of the love, affection and companionship of McFadden and lost earnings of McFadden. This loss is immeasurable. If this case proceeds to litigation, the claimants will be entitled to recover punitive damages from the officers as well as their attorneys’ fees.
5. This claim is against all of the officers of the Leonia
Police Department and Palisade Park Police Department whose actions were palpably unreasonable, and/or reckless, and/or intentional are responsible for the excessive use of force that caused McFadden’s death. The Police Department of Leonia and Palisade Park, the Borough of Leonia and Palisade Park are also the subject of this claim, and are vicariously liable for the actions of their employees, as well as directly responsible for their failure to properly screen, hire, train, retain and supervise their employees, and their failure to implement proper policies, procedures, and training in the areas of use of force and treatment of those who suffer from mental illness. The County of Bergen is likewise the subject of this claim and directly responsible for their failure to properly hire, retain, and train police officers at the Academy and their failure to implement proper policies, procedures, and training in the areas of use of force and treatment of those who suffer from mental illness. This failure is clearly demonstrated by the actions and inactions of all the officers involved.

The Mayor's and Police Chief's of both Leonia and Palisades Park Police Departments should stand up for civil rights and safety of all citizens who work and pay taxes, to keep them employed. Not kill them in the city streets when they are not a threat to anyone. No man should be shot 17 times,  like he's a dog by thog cops working for law enforce in our cities. This could have been any of our Fathers, Sons, or Brothers. We want the jobs of every officer involved. Cut off their pay, try them and lock them up for the murder of Ricky Mc Fadden. If the Mayor and City Manager can't handle his Police Chief, and get Justice in this and other cases like it, then go to the polls and Vote him out of office. These Murders must stopped, and police officers involved must be held accountable for their actions in this case. I'm asking you to sign this petition and forward it to your sons, brothers, fathers, and everyone else who understands that this is murder not self defense. thank you.

Larry Spates, Civil Rights Leader.