Family of Doug Harless files lawsuit over fatal wrong-address police raid in London

LONDON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The family of Douglas Harless has filed a lawsuit against the London Police Department, several officers, and the City of London, alleging constitutional violations and wrongful death in connection with the fatal police raid that killed Harless in his own home last December.

According to a release sent to ABC 36 News Now, the lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Laurel Circuit Court, seeks compensatory and punitive damages. Attorneys for the family allege officers acted recklessly when they raided Harless’ home at 511 Vanzant Road in Lily late on the night of December 23, 2024, while attempting to execute a search warrant for a different address, 489 Vanzant Road.

According to the complaint, multiple officers—some armed with AR-15 style rifles—forced their way into the home just before midnight. Police said at the time they announced themselves before entering through the front door and encountered Harless with a gun. An officer opened fire, striking Harless multiple times and killing him.

Harless, 63, was a city maintenance worker, father, and grandfather with no criminal record beyond minor traffic infractions. He was not a suspect in the investigation tied to the search warrant, which court filings say involved a stolen weed eater.

“Doug Harless should have been safe in his own home. Instead, he was killed when police raided the wrong address, and months later, his family is still being denied answers,” attorney Tad Thomas of Thomas Law Offices said in a statement.

In the release from their attorneys, daughters Nicki Lawson and Mona Alsip described their father as one of the hardest-working people they knew, someone who loved NASCAR, music, and telling jokes. “We miss him every single day,” they said, adding that they want accountability and privacy as they grieve.

The complaint alleges officers ignored obvious signs that they were at the wrong home and acted outside their jurisdiction. It claims violations of the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments, including unlawful search, excessive force, and supervisory liability, along with state-law claims of gross negligence, assault and battery, trespass, false imprisonment, privacy violations, outrageous conduct, and wrongful death.

Attorneys also criticized the ongoing Kentucky State Police investigation, which they say has yet to produce critical records, including the original search warrant and affidavit.

“His death has left a hole in the family and community that cannot be filled, and both the public and his family deserve answers and justice,” said Howard O. Mann of Hill & Hill Law Offices, who is also representing the family.

The lawsuit comes one day after newly appointed London Mayor Tracie Handley called on state officials to release more information about the case, saying the lack of answers has left the Harless family and the community without closure.

ABC 36 News Now reached out to the City of London for a response to the lawsuit. We are still waiting to hear back from officials there.

Following, is the Kentucky State Police response, in its entirety,  to London Mayor Tracie Handley’s letter:

“The Kentucky State Police understands the importance of this case for all parties involved. KSP is committed to conducting a thorough investigation and detectives are meticulously reviewing all aspects of the incident. The investigation remains open at this time, and to protect the integrity of the investigation, specific information will not be released. As soon as the investigation is complete, it will be submitted to the prosecutor for review, at which time additional information may be available to the public.”