Jury Rules Against Aurora Officer in Excessive Force Case
A jury ruled against Aurora Police Officer Gabriel Nestor on Friday after a five-day civil trial concerning excessive force allegations during the controversial arrest of a Black man, Preston Nunn III, in May 2021. Nunn filed the civil lawsuit against multiple officers in 2023, claiming that during the incident, officers used excessive force when they tased, tackled, and choked him.
The arrest stemmed from Nunn allegedly nearly striking officers with his vehicle while they were engaged in a separate traffic stop. Body camera footage from the incident revealed that after officers asked Nunn for his license and registration, Officer Nestor aggressively drew his weapon and ordered Nunn to stop “digging in his pants.” Following Nunn’s exit from the vehicle, he was swiftly tackled and tased by the officers on the scene.
The case drew significant attention and scrutiny, particularly as it coincided with a broader investigation into the Aurora Police Department (APD) concerning allegations of racially biased policing and excessive force, conducted by the Colorado Attorney General.
The jury found that Officer Nestor breached Nunn’s constitutional rights regarding the unwarranted use of excessive force, awarding Nunn a total of $400,000. However, Officer Cody Goetz, who also played a role in the arrest by tackling and tasing Nunn, was not found liable by the jury.
Nunn’s case has sparked further conversation regarding police conduct and accountability, particularly in interactions with Black individuals. The outcome of this trial highlights ongoing concerns about the need for reform within law enforcement agencies nationwide.