Johnny Hollman blames death | Atlanta reaches $3.8 million settlement

ATLANTA — The Atlanta City Council unanimously approved a $3.8 million settlement in the death of a church deacon who died last year after being charged in an exchange with police . The council approved the bylaw at Monday’s meeting.

Johnny Hollman, 62, died after being shocked by a Taser, which sent him into cardiac dysrhythmia, an autopsy report found. His meeting with the police took place on August 10, 2023.

That night, Hollman was driving along Cunningham Place in southwest Atlanta when he crashed and called police. During the encounter, an officer determined Hollman was at fault for the accident and attempted to issue him a traffic citation.

The GBI previously said Hollman became “non-compliant” when the officer attempted to arrest him. A Taser was then deployed as Hollman continued to resist arrest, the GBI said.

Atlanta police previously described the encounter as “several minutes of struggle” between the deacon and the officer who arrested him. Hollman became unresponsive shortly afterward and emergency medical services were called to respond. Hollman was transported to Grady Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 1 a.m. Aug. 11, according to the medical examiner’s report.

RELATED: “Do Something!” » | Family speaks after body camera video released in Johnny Hollman’s death

Videos from the body camera worn by former officer Kiran Kimbrough were finally released by authorities.

The officer was fired following the incident for failing to “have a supervisor on scene prior to making the physical arrest after Mr. Hollman refused to sign the citation.” He has not been charged.

The settlement resolution states that the plaintiffs agreed to the amount. He will go to the Hollman estate.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens released a statement regarding the settlement:

“My thoughts remain with the Hollman family, and while nothing can undo what has been done, my priority was to get this family as close to complete closure as possible from this unfortunate tragedy as soon as possible.

“There have been significant changes to procedures following the incident, including the new CARES Unit, whose first member training is expected to conclude next month.”

The changes also included revising APD’s procedures for traffic citations, allowing officers to write “refusal to sign” in the signature line, rather than making an arrest. Click here to learn about other changes in the mayor’s previous statement.

Hollman’s daughter, Arnitra, thanked those who supported her family in a statement.

“On behalf of my siblings and our entire family, we want to thank everyone in Atlanta who has supported us in our fight for justice for our father,” she said. “The students, clergy, organizers and artists who prayed, marched and stood with us were a true blessing. We are grateful that Mayor Dickens and the City Council put an end to this part of our fight for justice We will continue to demand the arrest of those responsible for the death of our father.

Attorney Mawuli Davis shared similar sentiments regarding community support.

“Today’s resolution allows this family to focus on healing from the devastating and senseless loss of their beloved father. This could only have been resolved with the support of the community,” said Davis. “People stood with this courageous family. Deacon Hollman was a son of Atlanta who loved this city, and his family is fighting for the city to recognize that what happened to him shouldn’t have. Even though this part of their struggle is coming to an end, this fight for justice will not end until criminal charges are filed. »