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Colorado city pays $500,000 settlement over wrongful DUI arrest of good Samaritan
Cunningham says lab tests later showed no alcohol or drugs, and prosecutors dismissed the case after his arrest following a crash scene rescue.
- The city of Fort Collins paid Jesse Cunningham $500,000 on Monday to settle a lawsuit stemming from his wrongful DUI arrest in July 2021. The settlement resolves a nearly five-year legal dispute.
- While assisting victims of a motorcycle crash in July 2021, Cunningham was arrested by Fort Collins Police Officer Jason Haferman on suspicion of DUI. Despite repeatedly requesting a breath test, Haferman conducted roadside sobriety tests instead.
- Colorado Bureau of Investigation blood tests later confirmed Cunningham had no alcohol or drugs in his system. The arrest also triggered a Child Protective Services investigation and jeopardized his employment.
- Although the city paid the settlement, Fort Collins Police Chief Jeff Swoboda stated the agreement is not an admission of wrongdoing. Attorney Sarah Schielke said the case reveals systemic problems when agencies prioritize DUI arrests.
- Haferman resigned in 2022, one day before Police Chief Jeff Swoboda planned to terminate his employment, following documented instances of unraveled DUI arrests. Cunningham said the arrest made him "extremely cautious" around law enforcement.
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Leaning Left0Leaning Right1Center30Last UpdatedBias Distribution97% Center
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C 97%
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