Atlanta City Council has approved a $1.4 million settlement for former police officer Oliver Simmonds, who was acquitted in a controversial 2019 fatal shooting of a teenager attempting to steal his unmarked police vehicle.
At a Glance
- Atlanta City Council unanimously approved a $1.4 million settlement for former officer Oliver Simmonds
- Simmonds was acquitted in 2023 of felony murder charges stemming from a 2019 shooting
- The incident occurred when 18-year-old D’Ettrick Griffin attempted to steal Simmonds’ unmarked police SUV
- At the time, Simmonds was off-duty and serving on the Executive Protection Unit for then-Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms
Settlement Details and Background
The Atlanta City Council voted unanimously to approve a $1.4 million settlement with former Atlanta police officer Oliver Simmonds following his acquittal in a 2019 shooting case. Simmonds faced serious charges including felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and violation of oath of public office after fatally shooting 18-year-old D’Ettrick Griffin at a gas station in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood on July 15, 2019. The settlement comes after a jury found Simmonds not guilty of all charges in September 2023.
The Incident and Subsequent Legal Proceedings
On the day of the incident, Simmonds was off-duty, dressed in plain clothes, and serving as part of the Executive Protection Unit for then-Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. While at a gas station, Griffin attempted to steal Simmonds’ unmarked police SUV. In response, Simmonds shot Griffin, who then crashed the vehicle and later died from his injuries. Prosecutors later brought charges against Simmonds, alleging he used deadly force without proper justification.
The case gained significant attention in the Atlanta community, raising questions about appropriate use of force by law enforcement, particularly in off-duty situations. After the shooting, Simmonds was placed on administrative leave as the investigation unfolded. The legal process culminated in a trial where, after just four hours of deliberation in September 2023, a jury acquitted Simmonds of all charges related to the incident.
Settlement Implications
The $1.4 million settlement represents a significant financial commitment from the city of Atlanta following the controversial case. This resolution comes despite Simmonds’ legal vindication through the acquittal. City officials have not publicly detailed their reasoning for approving the settlement, but such agreements typically aim to resolve potential civil litigation and provide closure to all parties involved in such contentious cases.
The settlement and the case itself highlight ongoing tensions surrounding law enforcement actions and the protections afforded to officers in the line of duty. For Atlanta taxpayers, the $1.4 million agreement represents a substantial expenditure related to law enforcement conduct. The unanimous council vote suggests a collective determination to resolve the matter definitively, potentially avoiding more costly litigation and prolonged public attention to a case that has already spanned more than four years.
