Baltimore Settles for $400,000 with Man Injured by Police Car During Pursuit

Baltimore is set to pay $400,000 to Devonte Jett, a man who was injured by a police cruiser while being pursued in connection with an armed carjacking in 2021.

Jett, who was 16 years old at the time of the incident, sustained serious injuries including damage to his lungs and pelvis, a probable concussion, and long-term memory loss, according to a lawsuit he filed against the city.

The settlement was unanimously approved by Baltimore’s Board of Estimates on Wednesday. City attorney Stephen Salsbury noted that Jett faced charges related to the carjacking, but those records remain sealed due to his juvenile status.

In his lawsuit, Jett accused the Baltimore Police Department of using excessive force and negligence, suggesting that the incident reflects a broader pattern of misconduct within the department. This claim came in the wake of a viral video showing police pursuing a suspect in a cruiser.

According to the lawsuit, police were chasing a vehicle that had been stolen from a pizza delivery driver when they spotted Jett in the driver’s seat. Jett contended that he fled on foot after officers pointed a gun at him. The chase led him to a grassy area behind a rowhome, where he was subsequently struck by Officer Steven Reed’s SUV.

Witnesses reported that Jett did not regain consciousness until he was in an ambulance. Following the incident, he was handcuffed and searched by Officer Brandon Butt, who, along with other officers, initially failed to locate a weapon. A BB gun was later discovered in Jett’s pants.

City attorneys argued in response to Jett's lawsuit that the crash resulted from his actions and was not an instance of excessive force. They maintained that the police vehicle was attempting to establish a lawful roadblock when the contact occurred.

During the Board of Estimates meeting, Salsbury acknowledged the subjectivity involved in determining excessive force but emphasized that the police department has established guidelines for such situations. Council President Zeke Cohen raised concerns about whether alternative measures, like a stun gun, could have been employed.

Salsbury also mentioned ongoing disciplinary proceedings against Officer Reed, who has been suspended with pay since January 2025 due to a separate case. Comptroller Bill Henry expressed frustration over the lengthy duration of these proceedings, highlighting a backlog of over 800 disciplinary cases against police officers that need to be addressed.

Reported by HarborBeat based on thebanner.com (source).