AUSTIN, Texas — On Friday and Monday, two new federal lawsuits were filed against the City of Austin claiming police used excessive force during the May 2020 protests against police brutality. The lawsuits come after three filed last week.
One suit claims plaintiff Saraneka Alexander was participating in the protests on May 30, 2020, in front of APD headquarters “when APD officers began to fire less lethal rounds into the crowd without any apparent justification.” It says Alexander was struck in the stomach and the back by Officer Kyu An.
Another suit claims plaintiff Maya Van Os was participating in a demonstration on May 30, 2020 on the grass between the northbound frontage road of Interstate 35 and the highway when an officer “abruptly charged at and violently grabbed her … in a manner that suppressed her ability to breathe.” It said she suffered multiple injuries, including contusions and hairline fractures to her spine and ribs.
As of May 27, the City of Austin has approved six settlements involving protestors who sued due to injuries sustained during the protests:
- Tracy Cates - $100,000
- Christen Warkoczewski - $850,000
- Maredith Drake - $850,000
- Brad Levi Ayala - $2.95 million
- Justin Howell - $8 million
- Anthony Evans - $2 million
Meanwhile, a total of 21 police officers have been indicted for their use of force during the protests. The Austin Police Department has since halted the use of bean-bag rounds as a form of crowd control.
A City spokesperson released the following statement Wednesday:
“We are aware that the cases have been filed. We will follow our regular procedure for responses to litigation brought against the City.“