🚨 San Diego, CA — The City of San Diego is poised to approve an $875,000 settlement in a high-profile civil rights case involving allegations of excessive force by police during a 2024 arrest. The payout, expected to be finalized following a City Council vote on September 9, will resolve a federal lawsuit filed by Marcus Evans, a 32-year-old construction worker who suffered severe injuries during the encounter.
đź“ą The Incident
Evans was arrested at his Encanto home after police responded to a 911 call about a man with a gun. According to freelance video footage and Evans’ legal team, he was unarmed, shirtless, and compliant—repeatedly stating “I’m unarmed” while sitting on the ground with his hands raised.
Despite his non-threatening posture, officers fired three bean bag rounds at Evans, one of which fractured his shin. A police K-9 was deployed twice, mauling his arm and causing permanent tendon damage. Evans was hospitalized and has been unable to work since the incident.
⚖️ Legal Fallout
Evans was initially charged with assault and resisting arrest, but prosecutors dropped the charges after no weapon was found. He later filed a federal lawsuit alleging violations of his Fourth Amendment rights, excessive force, and failure to properly train officers. The suit named the City of San Diego, Police Chief Scott Wahl, and nearly two dozen officers.
Chief Wahl acknowledged the video was “difficult to view” and confirmed an internal review, though few details have been released due to ongoing litigation.
🕵️ Transparency Battle
The case has sparked broader debates about police accountability and transparency. The First Amendment Coalition (FAC) sued the city in June 2025, demanding the release of body camera footage and use-of-force records under California’s Public Records Act. The city has so far only released a redacted 911 log, prompting accusations of noncompliance with transparency laws.
🗣️ Community Reaction
Evans’ family and community advocates have called for systemic reform, citing the incident as part of a troubling pattern of aggressive policing—particularly against Black residents. While the settlement avoids a trial and further legal costs, it does not include policy changes or public commitments to reform.