The city settles with the Atlanta deacon’s family

ATLANTA – The city of Atlanta has agreed to settle with the family of a Georgia church deacon who died during a confrontation with a police officer after a minor car accident in 2023.

The Atlanta City Council unanimously voted to settle with Johnny Hollman’s family for $3.8 million.

What happened to Johnny Hollman?

On August 10, 2023, Hollman was in an accident near Cunningham and Joseph E. Lowery boulevards while on his way to a Bible study.

Atlanta police initially said he was at fault. Authorities say an officer attempted to issue a citation, but say Hollman refused to sign the ticket and became agitated and uncooperative.

In the body camera video, a frustrated Hollman argues with the officer, saying he was not responsible for the accident.

“You’re not going to yell at me. Do you understand what I’m telling you? Now you’re either going to sign the ticket or you’re going to go to jail,” Officer Kiran Kimbrough told Hollman:

While repeating “sign the ticket,” Kimbrough attempts to hold on to Hollman, in what appears to be a struggle, and ends up forcing the 62-year-old to the ground.

“Why are you doing this to me, man? I’m an old man,” Hollman shouts as the officer draws his Taser.

WARNING: Police body camera video may be disturbing to some viewers.

“Sign the ticket,” Kimbrough shouts as he arcs with his Taser. “I’m going to tase you. Put your arms behind your back now.”

A panicked Hollman then tried to turn around, repeatedly telling the officer “I can’t breathe.” Kimbrough responds by pulling out his Taser again.

After a few more seconds, Kimbrough fires his Taser, repeatedly shouting, “Put your hands behind your back.”

After Hollman goes quiet, Kimbrough calls medics and says, “I think he passed out.”

“I took him to the ground and stuff. He grabbed my hand like he was going to hit me, so I punched him a few times, tased him and put him in handcuffs,” Kimbrough told medics who arrived at the scene.

Hollman was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Officer Kimbrough was fired

APD Chief Darin Schierbaum fired Officer Kimbrough for failing to follow the department’s standard operating procedures. According to the results of the administrative review, Kimbrough did not have a supervisor on scene prior to a physical engagement and the arrest of Hollman for his refusal to sign the citation.

Hollman’s family has called for Kimbrough to be arrested and charged in his death. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has completed its investigation into Hollman’s death and has turned over its case to Fulton County Prosecutor Fani Willis, who will decide whether to pursue charges.

In a 63-page federal lawsuit against the city and the former officer, the family’s lawyers devoted 20 pages detailing what they describe as 20 years of “widespread patterns of excessive force and subsequent inadequate investigations.” and create a culture that treats black people.” people like Deacon Hollman, in an inhuman way.

Lawyers say they want justice for the Hollman family, but they also want the department to fix its police brutality problem.

The family had previously filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a tow truck driver who arrived at the scene, accusing him of being negligent or reckless, and of causing or contributing to the physical injuries Hollman suffered before he died. The family is seeking a jury trial and seeking unspecified damages against the driver and S&W Services of Atlanta, his employer.

Atlanta Mayor Dickens responds to lawsuit settlement

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said the case will forever change the way Atlanta police handle these types of incidents.

The mayor reiterated his commitment to the policy in a statement released shortly after the Atlanta City Council formally adopted the regulation in an executive session Monday. It reads:

“My thoughts remain with the Hollman family, and while nothing can undo what has been done, my priority was to get this family as close to complete closure as possible from this unfortunate tragedy as soon as possible.

“There have been significant changes to procedures following the incident, including the new CARES Unit, whose first member training is expected to conclude next month.”

Hollman family and lawyers react to settlement

Attorneys for Johnny Hollman’s family released statements that read:

“In matters relating to civil rights litigation, our law firm often has an adversarial relationship with the City of Atlanta. This is no secret. In this case, however, Mayor Andre Dickens, the Outgoing City Attorney Nina Hickson and the City of Atlanta undoubtedly did the right thing. We commend and thank them on behalf of the Hollman family – Statement from Harold W. Spence, Esq.

“On behalf of my brothers and sisters and our entire family, we want to thank everyone in Atlanta who supported us in our fight for justice for our father. The students, clergy, organizers and artists who prayed, marched and stood with We have been a true blessing We are grateful that Mayor Dickens and the City Council have brought an end to this part of our fight for justice. those responsible for our father’s death – Arnitra Hollman, daughter of Deacon Johnny Hollman and family spokesperson.

“Today’s resolution allows this family to focus on healing from the devastating and senseless loss of their beloved father. This could only have been resolved with the support of the community. People were alongside this courageous family Deacon Hollman was a son of Atlanta who loved this city, and his family fought for the City to recognize that what happened to him should not have happened. part of their fight is coming to an end, this fight for justice will only end when criminal charges are filed” – – Attorney Mawuli Davis, founding partner of Davis Bozeman Johnson Law.

The Associated Press contributed to this report