Woman left at dump by police in Northern California receives $3 million settlement

Dana Marie James, who was left at a Butte County dump by Oroville police officers and subsequently hit by a car, has reached a settlement with the city for a payment of $3 million. The incident occurred in September 2022, and following a lengthy legal battle, the city agreed to the settlement. The woman's attorney, Robert Chalfant, emphasized the importance of the settlement as a warning to law enforcement agencies regarding the practice of leaving individuals in remote areas.

Details of the Incident

The incident began when a Butte County sheriff’s deputy arrested James for trespassing by swimming in a homeowner's pool during a heatwave. After being released from jail, James was left without shoes or a bus ticket to get home to Chico, which is 23 miles away from Oroville. Subsequently, she was arrested again by an Oroville police officer and taken to Oroville Hospital. Despite her urgent need for medical evaluation and treatment, she was not admitted to the hospital and was eventually abandoned at a landfill by Officer Sasek.

Abandonment and Injuries

After being left at the dump, James attempted to walk back and was hit by a passing vehicle, causing life-threatening injuries that required an extensive 35-day hospitalization and multiple surgeries. As a result of the hit and run, she lost a significant portion of her colon and small intestine and had to undergo the amputation of two toes. The incident has led to ongoing physical, emotional, and mental suffering for which she will require lifelong care and treatment.

Legal Action and Settlement

Following the traumatic ordeal, James filed a civil rights lawsuit against the city of Oroville, accusing city officials of "state-created danger," deliberate indifference, and negligence for their actions. Attorney Chalfant pursued the case, citing the 14th Amendment’s ‘State Created Danger’ doctrine, which prohibits law enforcement officers from putting individuals in a more dangerous position than they found them. The lawsuit stressed the need for law enforcement agencies and officers to cease the practice of 'dumping' individuals in remote areas. The $3 million settlement serves as a significant outcome, highlighting the impact of the incident on James' life and the responsibility of law enforcement in safeguarding individuals' well-being.

Looking Ahead

While the settlement provides some measure of relief, James still faces a long road to recovery. Her experience underscores the importance of upholding civil rights and the duty of law enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in their custody. The settlement also serves as a stark reminder to law enforcement agencies regarding their responsibilities in handling individuals with care and respect, especially those in vulnerable circumstances.