The Phoenix City Council is agreeing to pay millions of dollars to the family of a former Somali refugee fatally shot by police.
A federal lawsuit filed by the family of Ali Osman alleged that Phoenix systematically failed to train, supervise and manage its Police Department.
Phoenix has agreed to pay $5.5 million to Osman’s family following his death roughly 13 months ago.
Councilman Jim Waring voted against the settlement.
Police said they fatally shot Osman near 19th and Glendale avenues after he ignored orders to stop throwing rocks.
Maricopa County’s top prosecutor said rocks thrown by Osman pierced the hood of a patrol vehicle, broke a spotlight and were a danger to all nearby. No criminal charges were filed against Phoenix officers involved in the incident.
A Somali-community leader has said that Osman was a small-business owner, had a mental health problem and needed help.
