A Denver jury awarded $19.75 million to six bystanders struck by gunfire when former Denver Police Officer Brandon Ramos opened fire on a crowded LoDo street in July 2022. The victims suffered severe injuries and long-term trauma. Viorst Law represented two of the plaintiffs in the LoDo shooting, and the verdict highlights constitutional limits on police use of force in crowded public places.
What happened in LoDo on July 17, 2022
The shooting happened around 1:30 a.m. as bars closed on the 20th block of Larimer Street. Officers approached a man, Jordan Waddy, who they believed was armed. Video later showed crowds gathering around food trucks and sidewalks full of late-night traffic.
Three officers discharged their weapons, but Ramos fired multiple shots directly into the crowd. Six bystanders were hit. Five by bullets and one by shrapnel. None of the six posed any threat. Ramos later pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and received probation. His peace officer certification was also revoked.
Life changed instantly for the victims. Physical injuries, financial strain and ongoing trauma followed them for years. They sought justice in federal court through civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging that Ramos used excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment.
Why the legal issue mattered
At the heart of the event was a basic constitutional question: when is an officer’s use of force excessive? To win, plaintiffs must show the officer’s actions were not objectively reasonable and the force exceeded what the situation required. In this case, evidence showed Ramos fired into a crowd with no immediate threat. Jurors heard about the damage inflicted to innocent people, so they returned a verdict reflecting the harm and the officer’s recklessness.
What this verdict means for Colorado residents
For many Colorado residents, especially those who have experienced police misconduct, civil rights lawsuits do more than compensate victims. They expose dangerous practices, reveal training failures and push departments toward safer policies.
Victims often feel overwhelmed and unsure of their options. This verdict shows that, when the facts support it, a courtroom can still hold powerful institutions accountable. So if you or someone you care about has faced police misconduct in Denver, Colorado Springs or anywhere in the state, contact a qualified lawyer right away. Remember, your civil rights exist not just to win you justice but to protect your community.