City approves Calhoun settlement

Posted on April 18, 2016

By Terry James

BLOOMINGTON – The city says police did nothing wrong, but Bloomington Aldermen are voting to pay Gabriella Calhoun $120,000 in a settlement over a 2013 altercation with police.

Police were called to the Dennys on South Eldorado Road where they say they had to break up a fight involving hundreds of people. Police claim Calhoun allegedly pushed and struck an officer with a closed fist.

Calhoun was acquitted of charges of aggravated battery on an officer and resisting arrest.

Mayor Tari Renner responded to the settlement.

“And especially for those of us….I think maybe perhaps all of us have seen the video,” said Renner. “We certainly believe our police officers acted appropriately in this situation. I want to say that as mayor and for the record.”

Calhoun’s lawyer argued racism by police. Then 19 year old Calhoun says she was taken to the ground by an officer, hit the concrete, lost two teeth, and her shirt came off as a result of the altercation.

Terry James can be reached at [email protected].

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