Tacoma to pay nearly $15M to man paralyzed in road-rage shooting

In a significant legal settlement, Tacoma has agreed to pay nearly $15 million to Jay Barbour, a restaurant owner who was shot and paralyzed during a road-rage incident in June 2022. The shooter, Mason Taylor, had been previously investigated by police for an unrelated shooting but was allowed to retain a firearm, which he later used against Barbour. Barbour's attorney contended that the police's decision to leave the gun unattended constituted negligence, contributing to the tragic event. Taylor was charged and subsequently pleaded guilty to first-degree assault, resulting in a ten-year prison sentence. This incident has sparked widespread concern regarding police accountability and the handling of firearms in the community.

Barbour, known for his caring nature, has received an outpouring of support from customers and community members. While the settlement aims to provide some measure of justice, it cannot undo the harm caused to Barbour and his family. The case has highlighted crucial issues related to gun violence and police responsibility in Tacoma.