Summary Sheet- RFCA SUMMARY

CITY OF TEMPE
Meeting Date: 4/30/2026  
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Agenda Item: 7C1
ACTION:  Adopt a resolution authorizing and approving the settlement of the lawsuit Turee Toro v. City 
of Tempe, et al., pending in Maricopa County Superior Court, Case No. 2023-007960, and authorizing 
the City Manager to execute a Settlement Agreement and Release regarding that dispute. (Resolution 
No. R2026.42)
FISCAL IMPACT:  Payment of $150,000 for the settlement and release.
RECOMMENDATION:  Adopt Resolution No. R2026.42.
 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:  On May 28, 2022, police were called to a domestic dispute at 
Tempe Town Lake involving Plaintiff Turee Toro’s son, Sean Bickings. Against the direction of the 
Tempe police officers, and against City Code, Mr. Bickings climbed into the Lake and swam away. The 
officers immediately contacted Tempe Fire Medical Rescue and went to get the police boat to retrieve 
Mr. Bickings. Mr. Bickings swam to the middle of the Lake and began to have trouble. The officers were 
not trained in water rescue. Within approximately 2 minutes, Mr. Bickings went underwater and did not 
resurface. Plaintiff filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City, the three police officers who were 
present, the fire chief and the former police chief. The parties participated in two rounds of mediation 
and were able to reach a tentative settlement. The parties will finalize the settlement by executing a 
settlement and release agreement containing terms including a disclaimer of any liability, complete 
release of any claims against the defendants, and dismissal of the lawsuit with prejudice. 
The settlement reflects a practical decision to avoid significant costs, time, and uncertainty associated 
with continued litigation; it is not an admission of fault or responsibility, which are specifically denied.
ATTACHMENTS:    
1. RESOLUTION FOR TORO V CITY OF TEMPE SETTLEMENT 04 30 26.DOCX
2. SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AGREEMENT TORO V COT 4 30 26.DOCX
STAFF CONTACT(S):  Eric Anderson, City Attorney, (480) 858-2187
Department Director:  Eric Anderson, City Attorney  
Legal review by:  Eric Anderson, City Attorney
Prepared by:  Sarah Anchors, Assistant City Attorney