The city of Minneapolis has agreed to a $600,000 settlement with Patty Day, a woman who accused former Officer Derek Chauvin of using excessive force during a January 2020 arrest. Day, who was allegedly pinned to the ground by Chauvin in a manner similar to his actions in the killing of George Floyd, will receive compensation from the city following her lawsuit.
Allegations of Excessive Force and Wrongful Arrest
Patty Day, who was employed by the Minneapolis Public Works Department at the time, filed a lawsuit in May 2023, claiming she was wrongfully arrested and subjected to excessive force. On January 17, 2020, Day was found stuck in the snow, intoxicated and emotionally distressed over her divorce. Chauvin and Officer Ellen Jensen responded to the scene, and Day’s lawsuit alleges that Chauvin forcibly removed her from her vehicle and pinned her to the ground, causing several injuries.
Connection to George Floyd’s Death
The lawsuit highlights a chilling parallel to Chauvin’s infamous actions on May 25, 2020, when he pressed his knee into George Floyd’s neck, leading to Floyd’s death. Day’s complaint states that Chauvin “assumed his signature pose” by pressing his knee into her back while she was handcuffed and subdued, remaining in that position long after she was under control. A judge later dismissed the drunken driving charge against Day, ruling that the officers lacked probable cause to arrest her.
Settlement Agreement and Compensation
On Thursday, the Minneapolis City Council approved a settlement agreement for $600,000. Of that amount, $175,000 will go directly to Patty Day, while her attorneys will receive $425,000. The settlement follows previous payments the city has made in connection with police misconduct cases involving Chauvin, including a $27 million settlement to George Floyd’s family.
Attorney’s Statement on the Settlement
Katie Bennett, Day’s attorney, expressed gratitude for the settlement, emphasizing that while no financial settlement could undo the trauma Day experienced, the resolution served as an important step in holding the officers accountable. “This case is yet another example of the critical need for justice and reform in policing,” Bennett said in a statement.
Chauvin’s Continued Incarceration
Derek Chauvin remains incarcerated at a federal prison in Texas after being convicted of both state and federal charges related to the murder of George Floyd and violating his civil rights. Floyd’s death ignited widespread protests and a national conversation about racial injustice in America.
