Walter Scott’s family reaches $6.5 million settlement with North Charleston in fatal shooting by police officer

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The family of Walter Scott, the unarmed 50-year-old man from who was shot and killed by a North Charleston police officer while running, will receive a $6.5 million settlement from the city reports USA Today.

Walter Scott settlement

The city council approved the settlement Thursday night at a hearing that was attended by Scott’s family and their attorneys, writes the news outlet.

“While nothing can replace having Walter in our lives, the city of North Charleston’s historic actions ensure that he did not die in vain,” Anthony Scott, Walter Scott’s brother said. “This city sent a message, loud and clear, that this kind of reckless behavior exhibited by members of law enforcement will not and shall not be tolerated.”

He was running away

Office Michael Slager approached a dark Mercedes-Benz driven by Scott and says he pulled him over because of a non-functioning taillight. Scott can be heard saying he doesn’t have registration or insurance on the vehicle because he was in the process of buying it.

After a brief exchange, the officer returns to his cruiser. Scott tentatively gets out from the car, then gets back in. Moments later Scott opens the door again and runs off the side of the screen. Slager then runs after him. Scott was shot multiple times in the back while trying to flee in the scene

Scott’s family is now hoping Slager will be convicted of murder and said the settlement will go toward Scott’s children and that a portion of the money will also be donated to help with disaster relief efforts for recent flooding in South Carolina.