Columbus City Council on Monday approved a $1.8 million settlement with a federal agent who was tased and handcuffed by Columbus police while he was on duty.
James Burk, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, was trying to confiscate an illegally-held handgun from a residence in 2020.
Columbus police officers Joseph Fihe and Kevin Winchell were dispatched on a call for attempted burglary in progress and possible impersonation of a police officer.
The suspect's wife, who answered the door, was skeptical about Burk's claim that he was a federal agent and called police.
Burk said the officers who arrived roughed him up and tased and handcuffed him before checking his credentials.
Burk filed an excessive force lawsuit against the city in federal court. The case went to trial in November. A jury awarded Burk $1.6 million.
City Council legislation said the jury found evidence of constitutional violations. It said Burk dealt with PTSD, mental anguish and pain and suffering.
The city appealed and a $1.8-million settlement was reached.
"While we can’t say what decisions a judge or jury would make during any given appeal or trial, the City Attorney’s Office did negotiate the best settlement we could for the City and our clients given the facts of this case, the verdict reached by the jury, and exposure for additional expenses, such as attorney’s fees, in this matter," Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein's office said in an emailed statement to WOSU.