Toyota seeks to have much of Minn. suit dismissed

MINNEAPOLIS – Toyota Motor Corp. wants a federal judge to dismiss most claims filed by a Minnesota man imprisoned after a fatal crash involving a 1996 Camry.

Koua Fong Lee was freed last year after more than 2 1/2 years in prison, and his conviction was vacated. He sued Toyota, claiming he and family members suffered distress from either the crash or his incarceration.

In documents filed Monday, attorneys for Toyota say many of Lee's claims won't hold up legally. They say the automaker has no direct connection to events that led to Lee's imprisonment.

Toyota also wants a judge to dismiss fraud allegations, saying evidence offered by Lee's attorneys pertain to vehicles made and sold after the 1996 Camry.

Lee's car wasn't part of recalls after reports about sudden acceleration problems.