Hundreds gather in Fullerton in honor of Kelly Thomas

FULLERTON, Calif. (KABC) -- Family and friends gathered for a memorial Saturday night, three years after the struggle with Fullerton police that led to the death of Kelly Thomas.

Thomas' father, Ron, held a "gathering and reflection" to remember his son.

On July 5, 2011, three officers and Thomas, who was homeless and mentally ill, got into a physical confrontation at the Fullerton Transportation Center.

The violent clash came as officers were investigating reports of someone burglarizing cars at the transit hub.

Thomas, who suffered from schizophrenia, was declared brain dead five days after the altercation.

A jury cleared former Fullerton Officer Manuel Ramos and ex-Cpl. Jay Cicinelli of criminal charges in the case. After the acquittals, prosecutors dropped charges against former Officer Joe Wolfe.

A civil lawsuit against the city of Fullerton is still pending. Thomas' father also hopes federal charges will be filed.

CNS contributed to this report.