Baltimore's spending panel on Wednesday approved a $42,500 settlement involving a woman who was struck by a bullet fired by a police officer involved in a scuffle in North Baltimore.
Tasha Coleman sued Officer Quinton Smith after receiving injuries to her thigh and knee after the incident on Jan. 13, 2013 in the 5400 block of York Road, according to a summary of the case presented to the Board of Estimates.
The board approved the settlement without discussion. Lawyers advised the city to settle the case given factual disputes, and to "avoid the expense, time, and uncertainties of protracted litigation."
Around 2:30 a.m. on the day of the incident, Smith observed a crowd being very loud and gave the people 10 minutes to disperse and quiet down, the board summary said. At some point, Smith got into a verbal dispute with a male. The two got into a scuffle when Smith attempted to arrest the male.
The officer contends that he was being overpowered and feared for his life as others joined in the scuffle. Smith discharged his service weapon at the male, and the bullet struck both that person and Coleman, who was leaving a night club and was not involved in the incident.
As a result of her injuries, Coleman was unable to work for 11 weeks and incurred "substantial medical bills." She sued the city for $1 million.
Attempts to reach Coleman were unsuccessful. An attorney for her wasn't listed in online court records.
An attorney for Smith referred questions to city attorneys, who pointed to the board summary.
Baltimore Sun reporter Luke Broadwater contributed to this article.
twitter.com/yvonnewenger