PILLAR: Core - Organizational Support
AGENDA DATE: June 24, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): N/A
DEPARTMENT: City Attorney’s Office
PRIORITY: Government Efficiency
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize settlement of the lawsuits styled, Katrina Ahrens, et al. v. Dallas Police Association, et al., Cause No. DC-C201700365, and Katrina Ahrens v. City of Dallas, Cause No. DC-C201800704 - Total not to exceed $2,800,000.00 - Financing: Liability Reserve Fund
Body
BACKGROUND
Plaintiff Katrina Ahrens (Ahrens) sued the City of Dallas and others, seeking damages allegedly incurred from the city’s handling of monetary donations delivered to Dallas Police Department headquarters in the wake of the sniper attack that killed five police officers, including Ahrens’ late husband, on July 7, 2016. Ahrens’ children, S.A. and M.A., were added to the lawsuit as indispensable third parties at the request of another defendant, the Assist the Officer Foundation. Ahrens also subsequently added a claim of retaliation under the Texas Whistleblower Act, alleging that her reassignment and discipline were retaliation for her claims regarding the donations. Ahrens further seeks an injunction requiring that the city to keep any records concerning her late husband’s death confidential. Ahrens is represented by Casey Griffith and Michael Barbee with Griffith Barbee PLLC.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
A closed session was held regarding this lawsuit on November 5, 2025, by Resolution No. 25-1716.
A closed session was held regarding this lawsuit on May 6, 2026, by Resolution No. 26-0788.
A confidential memorandum regarding this matter will be provided to the City Council on June18, 2026.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2026 |
FY 2027 |
Future Years |
|
Liability Reserve Fund |
$2,800,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |