ROCKFORD — The mother of a driver shot to death during a traffic stop has filed a lawsuit against the city of Rock Falls and a police officer.

Nathaniel Edwards of Sterling was shot several times in the back and killed Friday in the driveway of a Rock Falls home after a police pursuit.

Sauk Valley Media reports in a lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court in Rockford, Alfredia Edwards of Chicago claims the shooting was “unjustified,” ”excessive and unreasonable.”

Investigators say the 43-year-old Edwards at first refused to stop the vehicle, then when he did stop, did not respond to verbal commands to get out. Authorities say he put the car in reverse and accelerated toward the officer who shot him several times.

The lawsuit seeks more than $1 million in damages, and requests a jury trial. Rock Falls city attorney James L. Reese has not commented on the lawsuit.

Associated Press