Harford Settles Claim Against First Responders in 2022 Shooting

A claim against Harford County first responders by the family of a reportedly suicidal man shot and killed in 2022 has been settled for $1 million. Harford County?s insurer will pay $650,000 toward the settlement with the balance of $350,000 coming from county government. The settlement in the death of John Raymond Fauver admits no wrongdoing by first responders.

County government agreed to the settlement based on recommendations in the attached letter from its insurance company and the advice of outside legal counsel with extensive experience in such federal court cases. Counsel advised that the cost of litigation alone could be almost three times the county?s cost to settle.

The legal notice of claim that led to the settlement was submitted to Harford County on behalf of the Fauver family as required by the Maryland Tort Claims Act. That legal notice is also attached.

Controversy over the Fauver case began when body camera video of the shooting was originally withheld by Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler, who was later ordered by a judge to produce it to the Maryland Attorney General, who then posted it on his public web page.

[Insurance company recommendation and claim notice attached]