Minneapolis Settles $600,000 Lawsuit Over Derek Chauvin Incident.

Minneapolis has agreed to pay $600,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a woman who accused former Officer Derek Chauvin of using excessive force in a 2020 incident, which bears striking similarities to the event that led to the death of George Floyd four months later. The settlement, approved by the Minneapolis City Council, resolves the allegations brought by Patty Day, who claimed she was subjected to an unlawful arrest and forceful restraint by Chauvin.

The Lawsuit: Allegations of Excessive Force and Unlawful Arrest

Patty Day, a former employee of the Public Works Department, filed the lawsuit in May 2021, accusing Chauvin of forcibly removing her from her minivan and pinning her to the ground with his knee during an arrest in January 2020. Day admitted that she was intoxicated and struggling with personal challenges, including depression from an impending divorce, when her vehicle became stuck in snow on the evening of January 17, 2020.

When Chauvin and his partner, Officer Ellen Jensen, arrived on the scene, Day alleges that the officers forcibly pulled her from the car, slammed her onto the ground, and restrained her using excessive force. The lawsuit details the moment in which Chauvin allegedly pressed his knee into Day’s back, an action eerily similar to the one he took later that year when he killed George Floyd during a police encounter.

The lawsuit states: “Chauvin then assumed his signature pose, pressing his knee into the subdued and handcuffed Patty’s back — just as he would later do to snuff the life out of George Floyd — and remaining that way well after Patty was controlled.”

Dismissal of DUI Charge and Legal Outcome

The charge of driving under the influence (DUI) that had been levied against Day was later dismissed. A judge ruled that the officers did not have sufficient probable cause for her arrest and excluded the blood alcohol test results from evidence, undermining the validity of the DUI charge.

Despite the difficulties she faced during the incident, Day's attorney, Katie Bennett, expressed relief and optimism following the settlement: “While no settlement can undo what Patty endured, we are grateful to have reached an agreement that holds the officers accountable for their actions. This case is yet another example of the critical need for justice and reform in policing.”

Settlement Details and Future Implications

The Minneapolis City Council approved the $600,000 settlement on Thursday, with $175,000 allocated to Day herself and $425,000 going to her legal team. This payout is part of a broader trend of settlements tied to police misconduct cases, particularly those involving Chauvin. To date, the city has paid over $36 million to settle police misconduct claims, including the $27 million awarded to the family of George Floyd.

While this settlement does not erase the trauma Day experienced, it reflects ongoing efforts by the city to address and resolve issues of police misconduct. As Chauvin continues to serve time for the murder of George Floyd and the violation of his civil rights, this latest settlement further highlights the necessity for meaningful reform in policing practices.

Chauvin’s Legal Status and Broader Impact

Derek Chauvin, a former police officer, is currently incarcerated in a federal prison in Texas, serving sentences for the murder of George Floyd and his federal conviction for violating Floyd's civil rights. The brutal killing of George Floyd sparked nationwide protests and brought the issues of racial injustice and police brutality to the forefront of public discourse. Chauvin’s actions in the George Floyd case, as well as the incident with Patty Day, have intensified calls for comprehensive reforms in law enforcement and accountability measures for police officers.

As the $600,000 settlement highlights, the issue of police misconduct remains a significant concern. While the resolution of Patty Day’s lawsuit provides some accountability, the ongoing push for police reform and racial justice continues. The need for systemic change in law enforcement remains as urgent as ever, with settlements and legal actions helping to shine a light on the broader issues. As these cases unfold, they serve as a reminder of the critical importance of holding officers accountable and ensuring justice for all.

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