Portland hands over $400,000 to wheelchair-bound protestor, sparking debate on police tactics and city spending.
At a Glance
- Portland approves $400,000 settlement with Dustin “Wheels” Ferreira over alleged excessive force during 2020 protests
- Ferreira, who has brittle bone disease, claims police mishandled him despite his wheelchair use
- Settlement is reportedly the largest related to 2020 Portland protests
- City’s total payout for protest-related lawsuits now exceeds $3 million
- Case highlights ongoing debate over police tactics and city’s financial management
Portland’s Costly Capitulation to Protest Participant
In a move that’s sure to raise eyebrows among fiscal conservatives and law enforcement supporters, the City of Portland is poised to approve a whopping $400,000 settlement with Dustin Brandon Ferreira, a frequent participant in the 2020 protests against alleged racial injustice. Ferreira, known locally as “Wheels” due to his wheelchair use, claims he was subjected to excessive force by police during demonstrations in north Portland.
This settlement, reportedly the largest related to the 2020 protests involving Portland police, brings the city’s total payout for protest-related lawsuits to over $3 million. It’s a staggering sum that raises serious questions about the city’s management of both public safety and taxpayer dollars.
Allegations of Excessive Force
Ferreira’s lawsuit centers on incidents that occurred on September 28, 2020, and April 30, 2021. He accuses former Portland Police Sergeant Justin Damerville of using excessive force, including kicking his wheelchair and forcibly restraining him with zip ties. These actions, Ferreira argues, were particularly egregious given his medical condition of brittle bone disease.
“No amount of money will ever fix or solve the amount of trauma that my community and myself experienced throughout that protest,” Ferreira stated, adding, “But what it does do is it allows me to live a little more comfortably.”
While Ferreira may find comfort in his newfound wealth, taxpayers are left footing the bill for yet another costly settlement stemming from the city’s mishandling of the 2020 protests.
A Pattern of Costly Settlements
This latest payout is part of a trend in Portland. The city has faced numerous lawsuits related to police conduct during the 2020 protests, with previous settlements ranging from $60,000 to $300,000. These mounting costs are a direct result of the city’s failure to maintain order and protect property during the prolonged period of unrest.
Will this encourage more lawsuits, further draining Portland’s coffers?
The Other Side of the Story
It’s important to note that there are two sides to every story. Former Sgt. Damerville, who has since left the Portland Police Bureau, claimed that protesters were warned to leave or face arrest. He stated that Ferreira was arrested for refusing to comply with dispersal orders after the assembly was declared unlawful.
This video shows the chaotic scene during one of the Portland protests, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining order. It’s crucial to consider the difficult decisions officers must make in rapidly evolving situations, especially when dealing with large, potentially volatile crowds.
The Broader Implications
This settlement raises serious concerns about the long-term consequences of Portland’s approach to law enforcement and protest management. By repeatedly capitulating to lawsuits, the city may be inadvertently encouraging more disruptive behavior and creating a financial burden that will ultimately fall on law-abiding taxpayers.
