Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance is submitted to settle the lawsuit known as Rodney Burbridge v. Officer Robert Forsythe, United States District Court Case No. C-2-00-209, in the amount of $50,000.00.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Attorney to settle the lawsuit of Rodney Burbridge v. Officer Robert Forsythe, United States District Court, Case No. C-2-00-209, to authorize the expenditure of $50,000.00, and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, on March 20, 1995, at approximately 5:30 PM near the intersection of Fairwood and Livingston Avenues, an incident occurred involving Officer Robert Forsythe, of the Columbus Division of Police, and Rodney Burbridge (a minor at the time); and
WHEREAS, on that date and at that location Rodney Burbridge was a front-seat passenger in an automobile driven by his brother Robert Burbridge, who was intoxicated, and that automobile became involved in a car accident with Columbus Police Sgt. Susan Lowe, who was in her personal car and in plain clothes; and
WHEREAS, subsequent to the accident, Robert Burbridge attempted to flee the accident scene, and became involved in an altercation with Sgt. Lowe, who was attempting to stop him from fleeing; and
WHEREAS, Officer Forsythe and Columbus Police Sgt. John Sullivan, who were also in plain clothes, saw the altercation, feared for the safety of Sgt. Lowe, and came to her assistance; and
WHEREAS, Robert Burbridge placed his car in drive, and attempted to speed away from the scene, during which time the car was driven at Officer Forsythe, who had by that time positioned himself in front of the car to assist Sgt Lowe. The car came at Officer Forsythe, and he believed the car was going to hit him; and
WHEREAS, Officer Forsythe believed his life was in danger and therefore fired his firearm at the driver of the vehicle, Robert Burbridge. However, the bullet as well as shards of glass from the car window hit the passenger, Rodney Burbridge; and
WHER...
Click here for full text