Newsmakers

A man who was shot after breaking into a business in Portland, Oregon, is suing the store owner for $10 million, alleging that excessive force was used against him during the confrontation.

Man Demands $10 Million in Damages
Kenneth Voyles filed a civil lawsuit against Touchstone Granite & Marble Inc. and its owner, James Grant. He is seeking $5 million in compensatory damages and a further $5 million in punitive damages.

The lawsuit accuses Grant and the company of battery, assault, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Burglar Entered Business in Early Morning
The incident happened on March 6, 2023, when Voyles entered the closed granite and marble business in Portland in the early hours of the morning.

According to the lawsuit, Voyles said he was homeless, cold and sleep-deprived and entered the premises looking for warmth and food. He also acknowledged that he picked up a drill bag and intended to take it.

Shopkeeper Says He Acted in Self-Defense
Grant discovered Voyles inside the business, leading to a confrontation.

Voyles claims he apologized and tried to leave the property. He alleged that Grant threw objects at him while he attempted to reach a garage door. He said he later picked up a pair of bolt cutters while trying to get through a locked exit.

Grant, however, gave a different account. He said Voyles became aggressive and moved toward him while holding the bolt cutters. Grant told authorities that he believed he was facing an imminent threat and fired three shots in self-defense.

Shooting Left Man With Serious Injuries
Voyles suffered significant injuries in the shooting, including a collapsed lung and shattered bones in his right arm. The injuries required multiple surgeries, according to his lawsuit.

He claims Grant continued firing after the initial confrontation and used unreasonable force.

Grant has maintained that he was trying to protect himself during the incident.

Voyles Also Faced Criminal Charges
The lawsuit comes despite Voyles having faced criminal charges stemming from the break-in.

He pleaded no contest in 2023 to first-degree burglary and menacing. Grant, meanwhile, was not criminally charged in connection with the shooting.

Civil Case Now Being Decided
The case illustrates the difference between criminal and civil law. A person involved in a crime can still file a civil lawsuit alleging that excessive or unlawful force caused injuries.

Voyles' $10 million demand is a claim rather than an award, and the court must determine whether Grant is legally responsible for the injuries. Grant disputes the allegations and maintains that his actions were justified by the circumstances.

The civil proceedings are expected to focus on what happened during the confrontation and whether the force used by the shopkeeper was legally justified.