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

The Tacoma City Council has reached a $14. 9 million settlement with Jay Barbour, a Mediterranean restaurant owner who was shot and paralyzed during a road-rage incident in June 2022. This incident occurred after police allowed the shooter, Mason Taylor, to retain a firearm despite being under investigation for an unrelated shooting. Barbour's claim alleges that police negligence in leaving the gun unattended on a curb directly contributed to the shooting five days later, resulting in severe consequences for him. Taylor, who pleaded guilty to first-degree assault, was sentenced to over ten years in prison.

Initially, Barbour sought $23 million, reflecting the emotional and financial toll on him and his family. Attorney Mark Lindquist expressed gratitude for the accountability achieved through the settlement, emphasizing that while no amount can fully compensate for the harm done, the city has attempted to make amends. This case raises critical concerns about police practices and public safety measures in Tacoma, prompting community discussions about law enforcement's role in preventing gun violence.