The family of slain officer, Rhonda Russell has filed an amended lawsuit, claiming that failed training and security policies led to her shooting death at the Altoona Central Court building, three years ago. She was accidentally shot and killed by an Altoona Police Officer after inmate Christopher Aikens took her hostage after breaking free from his handcuffs and taking Russell’s handgun. Sgt. George Bistline then opened fire, hitting Russell and killing her. The suit names Blair County, The Sheriff’s Department, the City of Altoona and the estate of the late Sgt. Bistline as defendants. A federal judge had earlier dismissed a previously filed lawsuit, but left the family with the opportunity to file again.
