The city of Napa has settled a civil lawsuit for $1 million related to the fatal police shooting of 26-year-old Jeremy Vellenoweth in October 2021. This incident stemmed from a 911 call about a family dispute, during which Vellenoweth allegedly pointed a rifle at his father and later at responding officers, prompting a sergeant to fire in response to an immediate threat to life.
Following extensive litigation, the Napa authorities decided on the settlement to avoid the costs and disruptions of a lengthy trial, while maintaining that the lethal force used was justified. Napa City Manager Steve Potter expressed regrets regarding Vellenoweth’s death but reaffirmed the department’s belief in the appropriateness of the officer’s actions during the encounter.
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