Unarmed Man Shot by Cherokee Police Gets $10M Settlement

Unarmed Man Shot by Cherokee Police Gets $10M Settlement

Introduction

An unarmed man who was shot inside his home by members of the Cherokee Indian Police SWAT team has reached a $10 million civil settlement.

The payout will come from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, according to the victim’s attorney, who said final paperwork is expected to be signed soon.

Incident Caught on Surveillance Video

The shooting occurred on December 13, 2022, after officers responded to a disturbance call. Surveillance footage revealed the man and his wife were asleep when officers ordered him to come out with his hands raised. The video showed the man picking up a robotic camera that police had deployed inside his home before opening the camper door. Within seconds, SWAT officers opened fire, striking the man and causing him to collapse.

No Criminal Charges Filed

Officers initially claimed they believed the man was armed. A special prosecutor later reviewed the incident and announced in February 2024 that no criminal charges would be filed against the officers involved.