City of Charlotte reaches $700k settlement over 2017 deadly shooting involving CMPD officers

CHARLOTTE ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit filed by the family of a man shot and killed by Charlotte Mecklenburg Police officers, according to a release from the City of Charlotte.

In September 2018, Ruben Galindo, 30, was shot during an incident involving CMPD on Prospect Drive. Officials say Galindo called 911, stating that he wanted to turn himself in. When asked by the 911 operator, Galindo admitted to drinking and using drugs. Before the officers arrived, Galindo was asked to put away his gun.

However, when officers responded, Galindo would not put down the unloaded gun he was holding despite commands to do so in both Spanish and English, according to authorities. Galindo, with is hands raised, was then fatally shot by two CMPD officers. His family says the officers were aware that there were no bullets in the gun.

Queen City News Continued Coverage Family of man fatally shot by police suing CMPD, City of Charlotte Video shows Charlotte man had arms raised when police shot him Family of man killed by CMPD officers speaks out In August 2019, Galindo's family filed a lawsuit against CMPD and the City accusing excessive force, negligent training, wrongful death as well as assault and battery. In September 2021, the lawsuit was dismissed by the Western District of NC court.

In August 2023, a Court of Appeals reversed the decision, reinstating all the claims except for negligent training. In March 2024, the state's Supreme Court declined to review the case.

On November 6, 2024, Galindo's widow, Azucena Aleman, and the City of Charlotte reached a settlement in which the city was ordered to pay $700,000 to Aleman and Galindo's estate to drop further legal action. The money must be paid within 30 days. The settlement happened days before the case was set to go to trial.

In the lawsuit, Aleman is named as the administrator of Galindo's estate as well as the mother of Galindo's now-teenage son. Part of the agreement states that the City does not admit liability.

Queen City News has reached out to CMPD for a statement regarding the settlement.