AVONDALE, Ariz. — The Avondale City Council has agreed to pay $2 million to the family of James Holland, who died last year during an incident with local police.
Holland died on July 10, 2021, after police officers stunned him with a Taser gun as they attempted to detain him near Van Buren Street and 111th Avenue, according to local media reports.
The 37-year-old's manner of death was later ruled as a "homicide" by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office.
But the officers involved in the incident were later "cleared" by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, public records show.
One of the officers involved in the incident has since left the police department and the other was placed on unpaid leave for 60 hours, according to the city.
Avondale's council voted Monday to approve an agreement with Holland's family to resolve a claim filed against the city late last year that accused officers of using excessive force on a man who allegedly didn't pose a threat to them.
By paying out the settlement, Avondale is not admitting to being liable for the events that unfolded on July 10.
"It is understood and expressly agreed that neither the payment of the Settlement Payment or anything contained within this agreement shall be construed as an admission of any liability whatsoever on the part of the Defendants," city records state.
The Avondale Police Department said it has instituted de-escalation defensive tactics training for officers to help them handle similar use-of-force incidents.
"We want all residents to know that the City of Avondale Police Department is committed to ensuring that all residents are safe," a city spokesperson stated. "As an agency we will continue to improve, hold ourselves accountable, and make necessary changes to carry out our mission to protect the public in a safe and effective manner
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