Six individuals caught in the crossfire of a police shooting in Denver in 2022 are set to receive close to $20 million in damages, following a jury’s decision in their favor, as announced by their legal representatives on Friday.

This $19.7 million settlement arises from a civil lawsuit against the Denver Police Department, linked to the incident that occurred on July 17, 2022.

The officer involved, Brandon Ramos, had previously admitted to misdemeanor assault charges, resulting in probation and the revocation of his police certification.

Ramos stepped down from his position in February 2024. A spokesperson for the Denver Police Department opted not to comment on the jury’s decision.

Bailey Alexander, alongside Willis Small IV and Yekalo Wedewihet, who were among the six injured bystanders, addressed the media during a press conference on January 4, 2023.

At the time of the shooting, Ramos was assigned to a gun violence prevention team that patrolled Denver’s Lower Downtown neighborhood – home to Coors Field and a nightlife corridor – when he and two fellow officers opened fire on a man, later identified as Jordan Waddy, after he had drawn a handgun. 

The other two officers did not face charges in connection with the shooting. Waddy survived the injuries he sustained in the incident.

A grand jury found that Ramos was not in immediate danger since Waddy did not turn and face him. Jurors concluded that the officer failed to account for the large crowd standing behind Waddy. 

Officer Brandon Ramos pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge. (Denver Police Department Facebook)

The victims included one who was shot in the arm and required surgery, another who was struck in the back by a bullet that exited through her arm and a third who was grazed on the foot. 

The plaintiffs’ attorneys said in a joint statement that the jury’s award for damages “recognizes the suffering that these six victims endured at the hands of an officer who vowed to serve and protect.”

Officer Brandon Ramos resigned from the police department in February 2024. (Chet Strange/Getty Images)

Attorney Omeed Azmoudeh said the award sends “a clear message about police conduct” and that bystanders “are not just a backdrop that you can’t think about.”