Aurora city has come to a $1.9 million agreement with a Black family from Colorado following a distressing encounter where police held four juvenile relatives at gunpoint.
Brittney Gilliam, along with her six-year-old daughter, nieces aged 14 and 17, and her 12-year-old sister, were wrongfully detained in 2020 in a parking lot. The incident, captured on camera, incited widespread outrage at the time.
Reportedly, the police mistakenly believed Ms. Gilliam was driving a stolen vehicle, prompting what they termed a “high-risk stop.” They subsequently apologized for the incident and offered to provide therapy services for the affected children.
Subsequently, Ms. Gilliam pursued legal action against the officers, alleging “deep-seated and systemic” racism, according to media reports.
The incident unfolded as Brittney Gilliam and the girls visited a nail salon, only to return to their vehicle upon discovering its closure. As they entered the car, officers approached with drawn firearms.
The video footage depicts Ms. Gilliam and all four girls lying face down on the hot pavement. Ms. Gilliam, her 12-year-old sister, and her 17-year-old niece were handcuffed. The children’s cries for their mother reverberated as witnesses questioned the police’s actions.
Aurora PD handcuff and held family at gunpoint. pic.twitter.com/GkTWKFZqkI
— Joshua Rodriguez (@Joshuajered) August 3, 2020
Reflecting on the traumatic experience, Ms. Gilliam expressed her concerns to CBS, questioning the impact of such an ordeal on children, especially a six-year-old.
Police cited a license plate matching that of a stolen vehicle from another state, leading to the mistaken identity. Aurora’s police chief, Vanessa Wilson, clarified that officers promptly released everyone involved upon realizing the error.
David Lane, representing the family, confirmed the settlement with the city of Aurora, expressing satisfaction with the resolution.
In response, an Aurora Police Department spokesperson reiterated the agency’s commitment to improving community relations through accountability and better service.
David Lane emphasized the importance of shifting focus from firearm training to legal education within Aurora’s police force, as reported by The Washington Post.
SOURCE: ndtv.com