A settlement has finally been reached regarding the alleged police shooting of Leon Ford Jr., a young black man, on November 11, 2012, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A Caucasian police officer allegedly shot Ford during a traffic stop, causing Ford to become paralyzed from the waist down. The alleged racially motivated police shooting prompted demonstrations and resulted in polarization within the community. Ford’s shooting has frequently been a main topic of public meetings between residents and police officials. The settlement amount between the City of Pittsburgh and Ford is $5.5 million to be paid over a three-year period.
Ford has persisted in his claim that police officers had no reason to stop him in his vehicle, and the three officers allegedly used excessive force.
According to police, Ford refused to get out of his vehicle, as instructed. At one point, Ford allegedly attempted to pull away from an officer while partially in the vehicle. On the passenger side, an officer believed Ford may have been reaching for a gun and he allegedly shot Ford four times. That officer also claimed that Ford struck him several times during a struggle.
There have been various trials related to this incident. The officer who allegedly fired the shots is still with the Pittsburgh Police Department, according to the latest accounts.
Investigations are done by Texas Rangers whenever police officers in the state are accused of using excessive force. When officers are found to have acted with excessive force, there are various potential outcomes. Sometimes the officer may face discipline but retain his or her job. There have been times when a police officer faced criminal charges for using excessive force, whether on duty or off-duty.
As with every post on this website, we are only providing information in this post and do not make any allegation or assertion that anyone acted inappropriately or engaged in misconduct.
–Guest Contributor
