Denver Police Shooting: City Will Pay Nearly $1 Million To Family Of Jessica Hernandez

Denver will pay nearly $1 million to the family of Jessica Hernandez, the 17-year-old who was shot and killed by police in 2015, the city announced Wednesday at a press conference. The teen was driving a stolen car toward two officers when they opened fire.

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The incident led to protests as police portrayed Hernandez negatively. The family, which never filed a lawsuit, charged the department unfairly portrayed her.

While the district attorney's office investigated and chose not to charge the officers, the city decided it was best to offer a settlement to the family. The incident was also investigated by the FBI, which determined Hernandez's civil right had not been violated.

An internal police review determined the officers had not acted inappropriately.

The city council has to approve the $999,999 settlement before it is paid out.

In addition to the payment, the city agreed to several steps including not releasing information about suspects in officer-involved shootings unless asked, and making sure all officers are trained on the department's policy instructing officers not to shooting into moving vehicles.

The city will also have a committee rewrite the police department's use of force policy. A member of the Hernandez family will sit on the committee.

Denver Police will also host a community meeting on justice that will focus on improving relations with the Latino and LGBTQ communities.

Hernandez was with four other teens in January 2015 when, after having fallen asleep in a stolen car, they were confronted by police. Hernandez was trying to drive away when she headed toward the officers who then fired.