DOTHAN, Ala. — According to Dothan City Attorney Len White, since the incident happened in 2014, both sides in the case have gone back and forth.
During Tuesday morning’s city commission meeting, commissioners approved a settlement to be paid to Lawrence’s estate.
“Dothan police officers attempted to arrest a 30-year old white male, Robert Lawrence for a list of various offenses,” White said. “Mr. Lawrence resisted arrest and the situation escalated.”
That escalation will cost the City of Dothan a total of $250,000. The settlement comes after both sides agreed not to go to trial. White said this way both parties know what they are getting.
“This amount is a settlement for all claims by the estate of Mr. Cantu and that will foreclose any future claims and will settle the lawsuit,” White said.
According to the family, Dothan Police used excessive force when attempting to arrest Lawrence. Family members say that was the reason why Lawrence was shot and killed in December 2014.
Since then, the case has gone through the district court where the city won. Then it was appealed in Atlanta where the case was remanded for trial.
“Rather then go to trail and risk the uncertainty of the trial, both parties have just decided that it is in their best interest to just settle the case and that way have a certain outcome,” White said.
White told WDHN he hopes this settlement will close this case and help everyone move forward.
