Columbus to pay $400K to settle officer’s use of excessive force case

The city of Columbus has agreed to pay $400,000 to a Black man who filed an excessive force lawsuit against a police officer. According to The Columbus Dispatch, Cameryn Standifer, 27, filed the lawsuit after he sustained injuries when he was arrested by Columbus police officer Brandon Harmon.

The 2018 arrest stemmed from an unpaid traffic ticket. And the city decided to settle the civil lawsuit as a jury was deliberating. During his November trial, Standifer’s attorneys argued that injuries their client initially suffered as a result of a car accident were aggravated following Harmon’s actions. 

Standifer had to seek medical attention as a result of the injuries he sustained from the arrest, and his medical bills exceeded $1 million. The Black man filed the lawsuit asking for compensation and reimbursement of the bills. 

“On behalf of our client, we are extremely pleased with the outcome of settlement negotiations,” Standifer’s attorney, Jessica Olsheski, said. “This will improve Cameryn’s opportunities for success in his life going forward.”

Olsheski also said the settlement covers compensation for the new injuries as well as the emotional pain and distress Standifer suffered as a result of his encounter with Harmon. But she said the amount doesn’t cover an infection Standifer sustained a few days after his release from jail. 

The August 2018 arrest occurred at a residence on the Far East Side. Columbus police went to the address after they received several reports of illegal activity. And after receiving permission, the officers made their way into the home and took the identification of the individuals inside. 

Court documents state that Harmon became aware Standifer had an active warrant for an unpaid traffic ticket after he ran the Black man’s social security number. In the video of the arrest, Harmon is seen telling Standifer to get up from the couch and place his hands behind his back. And after Standifer does as he is instructed, Harmon tells him to ease up. He is later seen tackling the Black man to the ground. 

Standifer’s attorneys said their client suffered severe injuries from a car accident in May 2018. They also stated in the court documents that a leg injury Standifer was nursing was reopened due to Harmon tackling him to the ground. They also said their client suffered another injury on his right arm. But following the arrest, Harmon, in the use-of-force report, stated that Standifer had locked his arms out, The Columbus Dispatch reported. 

A few days after his release from jail, Standifer sought treatment at the OhioHealth Grant Medical Center. His attorneys said he was admitted for nearly a month, adding that he had to undergo several procedures after.