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Mediterranean Gyro Grill owner awarded 14.9 million over shooting that left him paralyzed

Federal Way, WALocal News

Mediterranean Gyro Grill owner Jay Barbour has been awarded $14. 9 million by the Tacoma City Council following a road rage shooting that left him paralyzed. The incident occurred on June 23, 2022, when Barbour was driving to his restaurant and was confronted by Mason Taylor, who shot him after a brief exchange of words. The bullet struck Barbour's spine, causing irreversible paralysis. The tort claim against the city revealed that Taylor had used the same gun in a previous shooting just five days prior.

Tacoma police had returned the firearm to Taylor, despite him being only 20 years old and thus prohibited from legally possessing a handgun. Attorney Mark Lindquist criticized the actions of the officers, stating they acted unreasonably and negligently. He also noted that while financial compensation was awarded, it could not restore Barbour's life to its former state. The case underscores significant issues surrounding gun control and police protocol in handling firearms in potentially dangerous situations.

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