Denver Not Liable For Man's Death In Botched 911 Call, Judge Rules
DENVER (CBS4) - The city of Denver is not responsible for the murder of a Sudanese immigrant, a federal judge ruled on Thursday.
Jimma Reat was killed when a 911 operator instructed him to return to the scene of a crime to file a police report.
Reat, two of his brothers and a fourth man were in a car at 10th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard on April 1, 2012, when occupants in a car approached them and began yelling racial slurs. They broke the rear window of Reat's car with bear bottles.
Reat and his companions called 911 and escaped the scene to Wheat Ridge. At that time, the 911 operator -- Juan Jesus Rodriguez, who was later fired by the city -- told them to drive back to the scene to meet police. As they did, and the original assailants found them at 29th Avenue and Sheridan and shot Reat. He died at the scene.
In the lawsuit, the family alleged the city didn't do enough to discipline Rodriguez. The judge, while maintaining that the operator created a dangerous situation, said the city isn't liable.
"We of course wish he ruled otherwise, but note that in this order, the judge has also reemphasized his recognition that what the operator did here in creating danger is both obvious and unacceptable. We will address the issue of the city's liability at a later date after the trial proceedings are completed, as appropriate," the family's attorney, Erica Grossman, said in a statement.
The family is also suing Rodriguez. The judge said that suit could proceed.
"We agree with the ruling from the U.S. District Court. It's the right one. This is a tragic case. We, too, want justice for Jimma Reat and look forward to the day those responsible for his death are brought to justice," city attorney Scott Martinez said.
