Los Angeles To Pay Nearly $6.9 Million Over 2005 Police Shooting

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles will pay nearly $6.9 million to settle a lawsuit over a police shooting that left a reputed gang member paralyzed.

The City Council on Wednesday approved the amount for Robert Contreras, who was shot in 2005 as police chased him from a van that was involved in a drive-by shooting.

Officers said they fired after Contreras turned toward them with something in his hand. It was a cellphone.

Contreras pleaded no contest to attempted murder and spent several years in prison. He later sued, alleging the officers used excessive force.

A jury awarded him $5.7 million four years ago and the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal in December.

The new settlement figure includes attorney fees and interest.

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