Denver Cop's Actions Spark $19M Verdict: Bystanders' Suffering Recognized by Jury
A Denver jury has delivered a staggering verdict, awarding nearly $20 million in damages to six bystanders injured during a 2022 police shooting. The victims suffered varying degrees of injuries, including one who required surgery and another whose bullet grazed her foot.
Officer Brandon Ramos, the officer involved in the incident, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and received probation and lost his certification to serve as a police officer. He subsequently resigned from the force in February 2024.
The jury's decision recognizes the suffering endured by these six victims at the hands of an officer who vowed to serve and protect. The plaintiffs' attorneys stated that the $19.7 million award acknowledges the harm caused by Ramos' actions, which failed to account for the large crowd standing behind the suspect, Jordan Waddy.
According to prosecutors, Ramos was assigned to a gun violence prevention team patrolling Denver's Lower Downtown neighborhood when he and two fellow officers opened fire on Waddy after he drew his handgun. However, the jury found that Ramos was not in immediate danger since Waddy did not turn and face him.
The award is seen as a significant milestone, sending "a clear message about police conduct" to bystanders who are often perceived as nothing more than a backdrop by law enforcement. Attorney Omeed Azmoudeh stated that the verdict underscores the importance of considering these individuals' safety in high-pressure situations.
As the community grapples with the implications of this verdict, one thing is clear: the actions of Officer Brandon Ramos have consequences, and those who are injured or harmed by law enforcement must receive recognition and compensation for their suffering.
A Denver jury has delivered a staggering verdict, awarding nearly $20 million in damages to six bystanders injured during a 2022 police shooting. The victims suffered varying degrees of injuries, including one who required surgery and another whose bullet grazed her foot.
Officer Brandon Ramos, the officer involved in the incident, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and received probation and lost his certification to serve as a police officer. He subsequently resigned from the force in February 2024.
The jury's decision recognizes the suffering endured by these six victims at the hands of an officer who vowed to serve and protect. The plaintiffs' attorneys stated that the $19.7 million award acknowledges the harm caused by Ramos' actions, which failed to account for the large crowd standing behind the suspect, Jordan Waddy.
According to prosecutors, Ramos was assigned to a gun violence prevention team patrolling Denver's Lower Downtown neighborhood when he and two fellow officers opened fire on Waddy after he drew his handgun. However, the jury found that Ramos was not in immediate danger since Waddy did not turn and face him.
The award is seen as a significant milestone, sending "a clear message about police conduct" to bystanders who are often perceived as nothing more than a backdrop by law enforcement. Attorney Omeed Azmoudeh stated that the verdict underscores the importance of considering these individuals' safety in high-pressure situations.
As the community grapples with the implications of this verdict, one thing is clear: the actions of Officer Brandon Ramos have consequences, and those who are injured or harmed by law enforcement must receive recognition and compensation for their suffering.
This verdict 4 the bystanders is SO just 
I mean, can u imagine being grazed by a bullet or requiring surgery after some cop opens fire on u? 
It's insane! The fact that Officer Ramos lost his cert & got prob is kinda like, "not bad enough" tbh. And btw, the $19M award is no joke 
- it's like, the gov't finally acknowledges that bystanders are not just innocent bystanders, but actual people who deserve 2 be protected 
. I hope this sets a precedent 4 future cases & that ppl r more aware of the risks they take on as bystanders 
I think its kinda crazy that these bystanders got hurt in a situation where Ramos wasn't even threatened 
. I mean we all know cops gotta keep us safe, but this was just a big ol' mess 
. At least the jury finally recognized how much those 6 people suffered 
. The $19 mil verdict is huge 
, now lets see if any changes come outta this for real 
. its crazy dat a bystander gets grazed by bullet & still get award 
. think its good dat jury give justice 2 victims, hope it sets an example 4 police 2 be more careful 
$19M seems like a drop in the bucket considering what these ppl went thru 
. I mean, 6 bystanders get grazed or hurt by an officer & now they're lucky to get 1/10th of what they could've gotten if they fought harder for justice 
, gotta think about those innocent people next time 
. People are finally getting justice for being in the wrong place at the wrong time 
.