Bismarck Police Chief Scott Lahay is facing his third lawsuit following the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Kalob Watts in December 2023. This incident marks Chief Lahay’s second officer-involved shooting resulting in legal action.
Incident Overview
On December 26, 2023, Bismarck police responded to a disturbance at the Watts residence. According to official reports, the initial responding officer attempted to de-escalate the situation upon learning that Kalob was armed.
Neighbor Katie Bennett, who recorded parts of the incident, observed that the first officer remained calm, leading to a temporary cessation of the commotion.
However, upon Chief Lahay’s arrival approximately ten minutes later, the situation escalated. Within 75 seconds, Chief Lahay discharged his firearm, striking Kalob in the neck and resulting in his death.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted an investigation and cleared Chief Lahay of any wrongdoing.
Legal Actions and Allegations
In November 2024, Kalob’s mother, Roberta Watts, filed a lawsuit alleging that Chief Lahay used excessive force, exacerbating the situation that was previously under control.
Attorney John Wilbers, representing the Watts family, emphasized that Chief Lahay’s brief presence and actions directly led to the fatal outcome.
This is not the first time Chief Lahay has faced legal challenges related to officer-involved shootings:
- 2020 Incident: Before becoming police chief, Officer Lahay was involved in the shooting death of Dustin Eaton during a domestic disturbance call. The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s investigation noted that Lahay fired through a closed door, believing Eaton was armed. He was cleared of wrongdoing, and the Eaton family did not pursue civil action.
- 2005 Incident: While serving with the Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Lahay was present during the shooting of Dennis Heberlie. Although he did not discharge his weapon, Lahay was named in a wrongful death lawsuit, which was settled for $600,000, with Lahay contributing $50,000.
Community and Family Impact
The Watts family continues to grapple with the loss of Kalob. His mother, Roberta, reminisces about their close bond and the void his absence has created.
Kalob’s sister, Lyric Young, remembers him as a loving individual who, despite his struggles, always had a smile and showed affection towards others.
De-escalation Training and Policies
In response to inquiries about de-escalation training, Chief Lahay stated that he has completed the state-mandated courses.
Since 2021, Missouri requires law enforcement officers to undergo one hour of de-escalation training annually. Despite these requirements, the recent incidents have raised concerns about the effectiveness and implementation of such training within the department.
The repeated involvement of Chief Scott Lahay in officer-involved shootings has led to increased scrutiny of his actions and the department’s protocols.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the affected families and evaluating the necessity for reforms in law enforcement practices to prevent future tragedies.