Wounded Deputy Sues Tulsa Courthouse Shooter

A Tulsa County deputy who was shot at the courthouse plaza two years ago is now suing the man convicted of shooting him.

David Fortenberry filed a civil lawsuit against Andrew Joseph Dennehy on Thursday in Tulsa County District Court. According to online records, Fortenberry is seeking relief of more than $10,000.

Dennehy's actions caused Fortenberry "to suffer severe injury and loss, including maiming, pain and suffering, medical expenses and other expenses," the petition says.

Read the petition by Fortenberry

Dennehy opened fire on the north side of the plaza on the afternoon of March 7, 2012. Fortenberry was shot in the hands and another bystander received minor injuries.

Deputies on courthouse duty confronted Dennehy and returned fire. As Dennehy was on the ground with non-life threatening gunshot wounds, a man working at the nearby library captured the bloody moments with his still camera.

3/7/2012 Related Story: Library Employee Takes Dramatic Photos Of Tulsa Courthouse Shooting

The bullet that pierced Fortenberry went in his finger and shattered the tip. In 2012, he told News On 6 that his physical wounds had healed, but the emotional impact of missing work and the constant physical therapy had taken a toll.

Dennehy first pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, until it took a jury 15 minutes to find him competent to stand trial.

In January, he was found guilty of assault and battery with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm, reckless conduct with fire arm, attempted escape and assault and battery on an officer. A jury recommended 23 years and five days in prison, while prosecutors have lobbied that he be locked away for life.

Prosecutor Tony Evans told jurors before they began deliberation, "You don't get a pass for shooting police officers in downtown Tulsa."

Dennehy is expected to receive his formal sentence March 31.

Fortenberry was awarded the Law Enforcement Purple Heart for what the city called "heroic acts" during the incident.