After a contentious legal battle, Ryan Pownall, a former Philadelphia police officer, will return to the force following a successful arbitration case. Pownall, who faced murder charges for the fatal shooting of David Jones, a 30-year-old Black man, had those charges dismissed in 2022, as reported by CBS News Philadelphia.
A neutral arbitrator ruled in favor of Pownall's reinstatement, bestowing upon him full-back pay and seniority. "As part of Ryan Pownall's due process rights, his case was presented to a neutral arbitrator where the City of Philadelphia and the Fraternal Order of Police presented their respective cases. The arbitrator ruled in favor of Pownall's re-instatement to the Philadelphia police department. Pownall will also be entitled to full, back-pay and seniority under the ruling. The FOP Lodge #5 and fellow officers stood in solidarity with Pownall and his family throughout this entire ordeal. We're happy to see Pownall re-instated to his job and he looks forward to protecting this great city." said Roosevelt Poplar, the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 President, in a statement obtained by 6abc.
Despite the reinstatement, the case remains a controversial one, with Police officials stating that Pownall tried to shoot Jones during a struggle, but his gun jammed. Jones, reportedly dropping his gun before fleeing, was shot in the back and killed by Pownall as he ran away.
The incident led to what would have been a landmark trial, as Pownall was the first Philadelphia officer in two decades to potentially face a murder trial for an on-duty shooting. However, Judge Barbara A. McDermott dismissed the charges in October 2022, criticizing the DA's office for faulty legal instructions to the grand jury. The Philadelphia Inquirer highlighted that District Attorney Larry Krasner had initially signaled a willingness to refile charges against Pownall, saying, "This case is not over" following the dismissal.
In regards to the aforementioned firing, and criminal charges, Pownall had no criminal charges pending, according to recent court records. The city of Philadelphia had previously agreed to pay a settlement of $1 million to Jones's family in 2018, though this fact did little to quell the discord stemming from the tragic episode. Poplar went on to comment on Pownall's anticipated return to duty, as stated by CBS News Philadelphia.
Reactions to Pownall's reinstatement have been mixed, with some within the community and advocacy groups expressing concerns about the message this sends regarding police accountability. On the other hand, Pownall's supporters and fellow officers have heralded his return to the force as a vindication of his rights and due process. The City of Philadelphia is currently reviewing the arbitrator's decision, and developments in the case continue to be a point of interest and debate among the citizens of Philadelphia.
