Explanation
This Ordinance is submitted to settle the claims of Ava Ellis, Andrea Ellis, and Brad Ellis in the amount of Seven Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($780,000.00). The claims of Ava Ellis and her parents Andrea and Brad Ellis arise out of a June 19, 2015 incident in which Ava Ellis was injured in a police involved shooting incident involving Columbus police officer Jonathan Thomas. Officer Thomas had responded to the Ellis residence located at 4197 Chandler Drive, in Whitehall, Ohio to render assistance to an injured Andrea Ellis. While on scene, he was charged by the Ellis family dog and fired a gunshot at the dog in an attempt to protect himself. Officer Thomas’ shot missed the dog and instead accidentally struck the then four-year old Ava Ellis in her right thigh, causing serious physical injuries. Her medical expenses have been significant.
There is also a need to appropriate funds in the Special Income Tax funds for this expense.
Funds were not specifically budgeted for this settlement; however, sufficient monies are available within the Special Income Tax Fund for this purpose.
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested for this ordinance to be effective immediately in order for the parties to effectuate the settlement of this lawsuit, which is in the best interest of the City, and to pay the agreed to sum without delay.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Attorney to settle the claims of Ava Ellis, Andrea Ellis, and Brad Ellis; to appropriate funds in the Special Income Tax Fund; to authorize the expenditure of the sum of $780,000.00 in settlement of these claims; and to declare an emergency.($780,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, on June 19, 2015 Ava Ellis was injured in a police involved shooting incident involving Columbus Police Officer Jonathan Thomas; and
WHEREAS, following the evaluation of the incident, a settlement in the amount of Seven Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($780,000.00), to be paid by the City, was deemed to b...
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