An Iowa man who was shot and paralyzed by a former cop will receive a multimillion dollar settlement. According to reports, the City of Cedar Rapids’ insurance company has agreed to pay $8 million to Jerime Mitchell following the unfortunate incident.
In the wee hours of Nov. 1, 2016, Mitchell was pulled over for a burnt-out license plate light. Sergeant Lucas Jones asked the Black man to get out of his vehicle after smelling some marijuana, and things suddenly took a turn for the worse.
According to Jones, Mitchell became combative. When the Black man attempted to run away, he fired his gun three times and struck him.
Following a grand jury hearing, Jones walked away free from any criminal charges. Mitchell, in turn, filed a lawsuit against the city and the cop who shot him. They were set to start trial on Tuesday (April 20), but States Insurance, the city’s insurance company, decided to settle the case and pay Mitchell $8 million in the best interest of the city. All claims will now be dismissed.
“This case has been divisive to our community, and it is our hope that we can continue to enhance relationships that build trust between our community and our police department,” the company said in a statement. “We all share the desire for a safe community.”
Jones was fired from the Cedar Rapids Police Department in connection to an unrelated traffic stop. As for Mitchell, he will use the money from the settlement to pay for his medical treatment and his access to some advanced and novel techniques. He is grateful for the financial relief, but notes that the money and rehab will never replace getting his limbs.
“It doesn’t matter how much money I get…,” Mitchell said, per ABC affiliate KCRG. “I will give back that money or any amount of money to have my normal life.”