Sponsor: Board of Commissioners
Title
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Settlement Agreement in Ching Vang v. Alex Grundhofer, et. al. (Court File No. 0:24-CV-00397-NEB-ECW)
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Recommendation
recommendation
1. Approve the settlement agreement with Ching Vang, Case No. 0:24-CV-00397-NEB-ECW, totaling $242,500.00.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the settlement agreement.
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Background and Rationale
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On November 27, 2022, Plaintiff was arrested for Driving While Impaired (DWI) by Maplewood Police and transported to the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center (ADC) for booking. During a routine pat down, Mr. Vang was instructed to face the wall with his hands above his head touching the wall. During the pat down search, Mr. Vang removed his arms from the wall and made contact with a correctional officer’s face. In response, the correctional officer pushed Plaintiff against the wall in order to restrain him while other correctional officers on the scene assisted in restraining Plaintiff. During that restraint, one correctional officer allegedly positioned Plaintiff's arm behind his back, causing him to suffer a broken elbow. Plaintiff went to a hospital after being released from the ADC and was diagnosed with a closed fracture of lateral condyle of right elbow.
The plaintiff sued the correctional officers and Ramsey County. The parties reached an agreement during settlement negotiations, subject to board approval. The board approved the settlement in a closed session on June 24, 2025.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
There is no racial equity impact associated with this request for board action.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There is no community impact associated with this request for board action.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The county is self-insured. This settlement will be paid out of the county’s tort liability fund.
Last Previous Action
On June 24, 2025, the Ramsey County Board met in a closed session to receive information from and provide direction to the County Attorney’s Office (Resolution B2025-130).
Attachments
1. Settlement Agreement