Family of man who choked on vomit while being booked in jail sues

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — The family of a man who choked on his own vomit while being booked into the Spokane County Jail has filed a wrongful death claim seeking at least $6.5 million.

37-year-old Lorenzo Hayes is one of four inmates who died at the jail in recent weeks, prompting calls for an outside investigation.

The Spokane County Medical Examiner this month determined that Hayes' death in May was a homicide and a team headed by the Washington State Patrol will decide if criminal charges will be filed.

The Spokesman-Review reported Wednesday that the family of Hayes called his death "completely unnecessary."

The family is requesting damages between $6.5 million and $9.5 million.

Hayes was arrested on suspicions of violating a no-contact order and illegally possessing a firearm.