Atlanta to pay $3.8 million to family of deacon killed by police Taser

By Leonard Blairsenior reporter Wednesday May 8, 2024

The family of Georgia Deacon Johnny Hollman, 62, who died last August after an Atlanta police officer Tasered him during a fight resulting from a car crash, will receive 3 .8 million dollars to settle a federal lawsuit.

Hollman, who was president of the deacon board at Lively Stones of God Ministries Church in Atlanta, died Aug. 11 after being tasered by former APD officer Kiran Kimbrough on the night of Aug. 10 august.

The Fulton County medical examiner said in October that the Taser shock caused him to experience cardiac dysrhythmia.

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The late deacon’s family filed a lawsuit in January, naming Kimbrough — fired in October 2023 — and Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum. The filing alleges Kimbrough used excessive force after the detective refused to sign a citation, finding him responsible for the accident.

On Monday, the Atlanta City Council unanimously approved the $3.8 million settlement, 11 Alive reported.

“My thoughts remain with the Hollman family, and while nothing can undo what has been done, my priority was to bring this family closer to this unfortunate tragedy as soon as possible,” said Atlanta Mayor, Andre Dickens, in a press release.

“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.”

Attorneys said the family is not only suing for Hollman’s death, but also hopes to change the culture at APD that allowed his death.

Kimbrough’s firing followed an autopsy report concluding the deacon’s death was a homicide.

After the accident, Kimbrough was dispatched to the scene around 11:20 p.m. Upon arrival, Kimbrough determined that the Deacon was responsible for the accident and attempted to issue him a traffic citation.

Hollman, who was apparently returning from a Bible study at his church, became agitated and uncooperative. When Kimbrough attempted to arrest the deacon, a fight broke out at the scene. After a few minutes of struggling with the deacon, Kimbrough fired his Taser and then handcuffed the 62-year-old man with the help of a witness.

In body camera video of the incident, a frustrated Hollman argues with the officer, saying he was not responsible for the crash at Cunningham Place and Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard in S. west of Atlanta.

“You’re not going to yell at me. Do you understand what I’m telling you? Now you’re either going to sign the ticket or you’re going to go to jail,” Kimbrough told Hollman.

While repeating “sign the ticket”, Kimbrough attempted to grab Hollman, leading to a contentious struggle.

“Why are you doing this to me, man? I’m an old man,” Hollman shouted as Kimbrough pulled out his Taser.

Kimbrough later realized the deacon had become unresponsive after being handcuffed and called emergency services to the scene. Hollman was then taken to Grady Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.