Duluth City Council Considers $600,000 Police Shooting Settlement

The Duluth City Council discussed a possible $600,000 settlement on Thursday in relation to a 2020 police-involved shooting.

The shooting occurred in September of 2020 when law enforcement authorities responded to a domestic violence call. According to a Northern News Now report, Duluth Police Officer Tyler Liebfried fired several shots through the door of a downtown apartment after saying he heard two loud bangs coming from inside. One of those bullets his Jared Fyle in the shoulder inside the apartment.

The loud sounds were later determined to be the sound of an axe hitting the door, and officers were unable to confirm the domestic situation they were called for. Fyle was treated for the gunshot wound to his shoulder and survived the encounter.

Following the incident, Officer Liebfried was charged with recklessly discharging his firearm and second degree assault. After a multi-day trial in 2022, a jury found Officer Leibfried not guilty on both counts, accepting the argument that he acted in self-defense believing that his life was in danger. He returned to the Duluth Police Department following the not guilty verdict.

Despite the acquittal in the criminal trial, Fyle sued the City of Duluth claiming violations of his Fourth and Fourteenth amendments rights to be free from excessive force. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the injuries he sustained to his back and shoulder.

The Duluth City Council is expected to formally vote on approving the settlement at their Monday meeting. The city attorney and city administrators have recommended that the City Council approve the $600,000 settlement.