Freeway shootings suspect wants $10M from Arizona officials

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - PHOENIX (AP) -- A man charged in four 2015 shootings on Phoenix freeways has filed a claim demanding $10 million from the state of Arizona and Maricopa County.

Lawyers for Leslie Merritt Jr. allege in the claim that authorities rushed to judgment and failed to provide any evidence that Merritt was present at any of the shootings.

Such claims are required precursors to lawsuits.

Merritt's claim was filed against the state, Gov. Doug Ducey, the county and County Attorney Rick Montgomery.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety investigated the shootings and Montgomery's office is prosecuting the criminal case against Merritt, who has pleaded not guilty.

Montgomery spokesman Jerry Cobb declined comment. Ducey spokesman Daniel Scarpinato said the claim is a routine matter that will be handled in due course.