Tulsa County OKs $25,000 settlement for bystander shot at courthouse
BY BILL BRAUN World Staff Writer
Thursday, March 07, 2013
3/07/13 at 4:03 AM
Tulsa County officials have approved a $25,000 settlement payment to a bystander who was wounded during a shooting outside the Tulsa County Courthouse a year ago.
In a compromise settlement of a disputed claim, a judge recently ordered the granting of a $25,000 judgment against Stanley Glanz, in his official capacity as Tulsa County sheriff.
The settlement, approved by the Tulsa County Commissioners, is "in no way" an admission of liability, according to documents filed in district court.
Andrew Joseph "Joe" Dennehy, 24, of Tulsa faces trial on two counts of shooting with intent to kill and other charges in connection with a March 7, 2012 shooting episode on the courthouse plaza.
Deputy David Fortenberry was shot in the hands after he and two other deputies - Dennis Miller and Stephen Culley - responded to a report that shots were being fired outside the courthouse, 500 S. Denver Ave.
Ricardo Manuel, a bystander, was struck in the leg by a bullet while he was inside the doors at the Central Library, according to news reports.
Investigators indicated previously that they think Manuel was struck by a bullet fired by a deputy.
At a preliminary hearing in October, Miller testified that he saw Dennehy holding a revolver and that "we were yelling at the top of our lungs to put the gun down."
Dennehy did not comply with the orders but fired a shot, and Fortenberry yelled that he was hit, according to testimony then.
After Fortenberry was hit, Miller and Culley shot at Dennehy, who was wounded.
Prosecutor Jack Thorp has said he thinks shots fired by both Miller and Culley struck Dennehy. Thorp has also said he thinks deputies were justified in their actions.
A lawyer said an insanity defense will be presented for Dennehy, who is set for trial in October.
Original Print Headline: County OKs settlement for bystander shot at courthouse
Bill Braun 918-581-8455
bill.braun@tulsaworld.com
