In a significant ruling, a jury awarded nearly $20 million to six bystanders who were injured during a police shooting in Denver back in 2022. This total of $19.7 million comes from a civil lawsuit against the Denver Police Department related to the incident that occurred on July 17, 2022.
Officer Brandon Ramos was involved in the shooting and had previously pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery. After that, he was placed on probation and ultimately disqualified from being a police officer. He tendered his resignation in February 2024.
Ramos, at the time, was part of a gun violence prevention unit, patrolling an area known for its nightlife and proximity to Coors Field. While he and fellow officers shot at a man named Jordan Wadi—who brandished a handgun—Wadi didn’t actually turn to confront Ramos, which a grand jury later ruled indicated that he was not in immediate danger. The jury also pointed out how the officers failed to consider the large crowd present behind Wadi during the shooting.
The injuries sustained by the victims varied; one person was shot in the arm and required surgery, while another was struck in the back by a bullet that went through his arm. There was also a victim who had a bullet graze his leg.
Attorneys representing the plaintiffs noted in a cooperative statement that the jury’s decision recognizes the hardships faced by the victims, emphasizing that they suffered harm from those entrusted to protect them.
Lawyer Omeed Azmode remarked that the award sends a strong message regarding police behavior and highlights that bystanders are not just overlooked figures in such incidents.
