Explanation
Background:
This Ordinance is submitted to settle the lawsuit captioned Austin Williams et al. v. City of Columbus, et al., United States District Court Case No. 2:22-cv-1831, in the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00).
On June 29, 2020 Plaintiff Alexandra Davis was arrested at the George Floyd protests occurring in downtown Columbus. Davis alleges that excessive force was used against her during her arrest. Plaintiff Davis was arrested and charged with Harassment with a Bodily Substance, a fifth degree felony, and Resisting Arrest, a second degree misdemeanor. The charges against Davis were subsequently dismissed. Summary judgment in this federal civil case was denied in part. Trial would have consisted of an excessive force claim against the City of Columbus under a theory of inadequate training and/or supervision.
Fiscal Impact:
This ordinance authorizes the settlement of a lawsuit captioned Austin Williams et al. v. City of Columbus, et al., United States District Court Case No. 2:22-cv-1831; Funds were not specifically budgeted for this settlement; however, sufficient monies are available within Finance’s Citywide Account for this purpose.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Attorney to settle the lawsuit captioned Austin Williams et al. v. City of Columbus, et al., United States District Court Case No. 2:22-cv-1831; to authorize the transfer and expenditure of the sum of fifty thousand dollars and zero cents ($50,000.00) in settlement of the lawsuit; and to declare an emergency. ($50,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Alexandra Davis alleges that her constitutional rights were violated on or about June 29, 2020 when Columbus police officers allegedly used excessive force to arrest her, in violation of her Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights; and
WHEREAS, Alexandra Davis alleges that the excessive force used against her, in violation of her Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment right...
Click here for full text