DENVER (AP) - A private security company has settled a lawsuit with a Denver artist who was assaulted by one of the company’s guards while waiting for a train at Union Station in April 2018.
The Conshohocken, Pennsylvania-based firm Allied Universal and the Regional Transportation District on Monday settled the lawsuit filed by Raverro Stinnett, who was taken into a bathroom and beat by a guard while other guards watched, The Denver Post reported.
The lawsuit said Stinnett, suspected of no crime, suffered permanent brain damage that hindered his promising career as an artist. Three guards involved in the assault were fired and convicted of criminal charges.
The settlement was reached hours before Denver City Council rejected a proposed three-year, $25 million contract with the company. City Council discussed the assault and lawsuit in discussions about the contract.
Councilman Chris Hinds said the company has a credibility problem. Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca expressed disappointment that the contract was up for discussion at all. No council members spoke in favor of the contract immediately before the vote.
Allied Universal spokesperson Jeremy Lee told council members that the settlement is tentative and still subject to approval.
The assault and lawsuit also prompted questions at Regional Transportation District about contracts with the Allied Universal for security guards at Union Station. Some district board members tried to terminate the contract with the company in August because of the assault and ongoing protests about law enforcement.
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