Explanation
Background:
This Ordinance is submitted to settle the
lawsuit captioned Cameryn Standifer v. City of Columbus, et al., United States District Court Case No. 2:19-cv-3803, in the amount of Four Hundred Forty Thousand Dollars ($440,000.00). On or about August 1, 2018, Officer Brandon Harmon arrested Cameryn Standifer for an outstanding warrant for failure to appear on a traffic violation matter. During the arrest Mr. Standifer was taken to the ground by Officer Harmon. Mr. Standifer sustained an abrasion to his left knee as a result of the take down. Medics responded to the scene of the arrest and transported Mr. Standifer to the hospital. Afterwards, Mr. Standifer was transported to the Franklin County Jail. Officer Harmon charged Mr. Standifer with resisting arrest but the charge was later dismissed by the prosecuting attorney. As a result of the injuries sustained during the take down, Mr. Standifer contracted a MRSA infection which required extensive medical treatment. In the
lawsuit, Plaintiff alleged, among other things, that (a) Officer Harmon assaulted him and used excessive and unreasonable force when he arrested him on August 1, 2018 in violation of his Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights; (b) that Officer Harmon intentionally inflicted serious emotional distress upon him and that he committed malicious prosecution and assault and battery; and (c) he suffered damages.
Fiscal Impact:
This ordinance authorizes the settlement of a
lawsuit captioned Camryn Standifer v. City of Columbus, et al., United States District Court Case No. 2:19-cv-3803; Funds were not specifically budgeted for this settlement; however, sufficient monies are available within Finance’s Citywide Account for this purpose. This ordinance is contingent on the passage of the 2023 General Fund Operating Budget by Columbus City Council.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Attorney to settle the
lawsuit captioned Cameryn Standifer v. City of Columbus, et al.,Uni...
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