SHERWOOD, Ark — A case of alleged police brutality was the only topic on the agenda for the special-called meeting in Sherwood on Tuesday.
A man is suing the city after he said an officer slammed him to the ground and caused a traumatic brain injury.
"It is important... to not only prepare for trial and go to trial and do everything we can to win, but we also need to manage potential risk," Arkansas Municipal League Attorney Keith Wren said.
Wren presented a settlement proposal Tuesday evening to the Sherwood City Council for a lawsuit against the city for alleged police brutality.
Robert Ward filed the lawsuit in 2019, saying a Sherwood officer "violently threw him to the ground, slamming his head into a brick and causing a traumatic brain injury."
According to case documents, Sherwood police were called to Ward's house for a noise complaint. When police arrived, the records say Ward used profanity, and the officer proceeded to tell him not to use foul language.
Ward said it was his property and would continue, which is not a crime.
After a second time using profanity officers arrested him.
In a letter from the Arkansas Municipal League, settlement negotiations were unsuccessful.
Ward's attorneys are asking for $3.5 million, and the League does not agree with that amount.
"While we believe we will ultimately be successful and prevail at trial," Wren said. "That is ultimately up to twelve jurors."
The Arkansas Municipal League presented a settlement of $75,000, along with paying attorneys' fees.
The city council unanimously approved the proposal.
We contacted Ward's attorney, Brice Timmons, for comment. He said, "It's pretty insulting not just to our client, but also to the concept of the First Amendment. We will see you in court."
After Ward's arrest, he was charged with disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and resisting arrest. The charges were eventually dropped.
Now, the Municipal League will attempt to negotiate the settlement with Ward's attorneys. If they do not reach an agreement, the case will go to trial.