File #: RS2023-1969    Name:
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 1/5/2023 In control: Budget and Finance Committee
On agenda: 1/17/2023 Final action: 1/17/2023
Title: A resolution authorizing the Metropolitan Department of Law to compromise and settle the claims of Ralph Ward against the Metropolitan Government and its employees in the amount of $236,000.00, with said amount to be paid from the Judgments and Losses Fund.
Sponsors: Kevin Rhoten
Attachments: 1. Letter to Metro Clerk
title
A resolution authorizing the Metropolitan Department of Law to compromise and settle the claims of Ralph Ward against the Metropolitan Government and its employees in the amount of $236,000.00, with said amount to be paid from the Judgments and Losses Fund.
body
WHEREAS, Ralph Ward filed a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Government and its employees alleging Fourth Amendment false arrest, malicious prosecution, and excessive force claims arising out of his arrest for felony evading arrest on November 14, 2019; and,
WHEREAS, after investigation, the Metropolitan Department of Law believes that the settlement listed in Section 1 is fair and reasonable and in the best interest of the Metropolitan Government and recommends that any and all claims or causes of action brought or that could have been brought by Ralph Ward related to the events detailed above be compromised and settled for $236,000.00, and that this amount be paid from the Judgments and Losses Fund.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1: The Metropolitan Department of Law is authorized to compromise and settle the claim of Ralph Ward for the sum of $236,000.00, with said amount to be paid from the Judgments and Losses Fund.
Section 2: This resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Agenda Analysis
Analysis

On November 14, 2019, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department ("MNPD") officers had been conducting surveillance on a wanted murder suspect at a hotel. MNPD officers observed a suspicious vehicle at the hotel and decided to follow the vehicle. The vehicle was exceeding the speed limit and the officers initiated a traffic stop. However, the vehicle sped away. The MNPD officers believed they located the vehicle, which eventually stopped at R&B Liquors in Nolensville.

Mr. Ralph Ward exited the vehicle an...

Click here for full text