Minneapolis has agreed to pay $600,000 to Patty Day, a woman who alleged that former police officer Derek Chauvin used excessive force during a January 2020 arrest, just months before his actions in the killing of George Floyd.
According to a lawsuit filed in May 2024, Chauvin and another officer responded to a 911 call about a possible drunk driver on January 17, 2020. Day admitted she was too intoxicated to drive, the lawsuit states. She alleged that Chauvin “violently” removed her from her vehicle, pinned her to the ground, and pressed his knee into her back while she was handcuffed. The incident resulted in injuries, including a fractured tooth and harm to her arm and shoulder.
Settlement Details
The Minneapolis City Council approved the settlement last week, with $175,000 allocated to Day and $425,000 to her attorneys, according to The Associated Press.
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The lawsuit described Chauvin as a “long-troubled officer with a documented pattern of misconduct,” alleging that Minneapolis officials ignored his history of excessive force. Day’s lawsuit also noted that her drunk driving charge was later dropped after a judge ruled the officers lacked probable cause for the arrest.
Previous Settlements Related to Chauvin
This settlement adds to the more than $36 million Minneapolis has paid out in lawsuits related to Chauvin’s conduct. In 2023, the city agreed to pay nearly $9 million to settle lawsuits filed by two people who accused Chauvin of using excessive force during arrests in 2017.
Chauvin is currently serving a 22½-year sentence in federal prison for the murder of George Floyd. The 2020 killing, captured on video, sparked nationwide protests and demands for police reform.
In response to ongoing scrutiny, Minneapolis has committed to systemic changes within its police department. In early January, city leaders reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to implement a police accountability plan aimed at addressing excessive force and racial discrimination.
Attorney’s Statement
“While no settlement can undo what Patty endured, we are grateful to have reached an agreement that holds the officers accountable for their actions,” said Katie Bennett, an attorney representing Day. “This case is yet another example of the critical need for justice and reform in policing.”
