A $7 million settlement has been reached in a lawsuit brought against the Idaho Springs Police Department in Colorado and three others for the nearly fatal tasing of a 75-year-old man.
The incident happened in May 2021, when police were called to Michael Clark's apartment after a neighbor falsely reported that he attacked her.
Once Clark answered the door, one officer told him to exit the apartment while another told him to get on the floor.
During the confusing orders, and less than a minute later, Clark was tased without warning and fell backward, hitting his head, The Colorado Sun reported.
Once on the ground, an officer allegedly put his knee on Clark's neck with such pressure that deprived him of oxygen, prolonged his loss of consciousness and increased his risk of death, according to The Sun.
As a result of the assault, Clark suffered a stroke, subdural hemorrhage, lifelong cognitive impairments, and the loss of nearly all independence, according to a federal civil rights lawsuit.
In a statement, the city said it reached the settlement "for economic reasons and to bring closure to all involved."
"The City hopes that the settlement can bring some peace of mind to Mr. Clark and his family, and that the monies paid toward settlement will be available to cover any and all medical needs Mr. Clark may have moving forward," the city said, adding that the settlement does not represent an admission of liability.
The city said it, along with Police Chief Nate Buseck, "acknowledge the poor judgment that led to the use of a conducted energy weapon on Mr. Clark." Buseck previously described the incident as "not acceptable."
The officer involved, Nicholas Hanning, was fired from the department and charged with third-degree assault on an at-risk person. He later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault in a deal that prohibits him from working as a police officer anywhere in Colorado. He was sentenced in January to two years of probation and community service.
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