Adam Ferrise, cleveland.com
AKRON, Ohio — A woman who was body slammed by an Akron police officer settled her lawsuit with the city for $47,500, her attorney said.
Dierra Fields accused Akron police officers of using excessive force against her when she was handcuffed, then slammed to the ground in January 2024.
Fields’ attorney, Imokhai Okolo, said the settlement should send a message to city officials that they need to hold officers accountable or more settlements will be forthcoming.
“This has been a long journey for Dierra,” Okolo said. “She fought criminal charges, the police department and the city to show when police violence happens, you have to stand up.”
City spokeswoman Stephanie Marsh said in a statement that the settlement was signed on Monday and that city officials were working to finalize the agreement this week. She declined further comment.
Akron police went to a home on Saxon Avenue after someone called about an argument. Fields stood outside with her children and Akron police officer Timothy Shoemaker handcuffed her for no reason, according to the lawsuit.
When Fields asked why she was being arrested, Shoemaker picked her up and slammed her to the ground, according to the lawsuit.
City prosecutors initially charged Fields with resisting arrest. Prosecutors offered to drop the case if Fields agreed to sign paperwork saying that she wouldn’t sue the city. Fields refused and prosecutors added an additional charge of obstructing official business, according to the lawsuit.
Fields was acquitted at trial of both charges.
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