The Region - News from March 20, 1986

Two police officers and the City of Los Angeles face a new trial on the amount of damages owed to a 31-year-old Watts man shot 10 years ago, under a ruling by the 2nd District Court of Appeal. A Los Angeles Superior Court jury in 1982 awarded Alonzo C. Simmons $133,250 against the city and Officer Spencer Lynn, and held Officer Bryan Weld liable but assessed no damages against him. The appellate court decided, however, that it was unclear whether the city and Lynn were to pay the $133,250 jointly, or separately for a total of $266,500. The justices, upholding the liability verdict against all three defendants, said damages can be reconsidered against Weld in the new trial. Simmons filed his $15-million civil suit for assault and false arrest after the officers shot him while investigating a report of a stolen car. The car turned out to be borrowed. Simmons was acquitted of felony battery on a police officer.