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Lawsuit settled between township, family of man who died helping shooting victim at local Walmart

CENTER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The family of a man who died after a police officer tackled him has agreed to settle a lawsuit for nearly $1 million.

Kenneth Vinyard’s family sued Center Township and Officer John Hawk.

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His family said he was trying to help a shooting victim outside the Monaca Walmart in November.

Vinyard’s family said Hawk tackled him, causing him to hit his head. Vinyard later died at the hospital.

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According to court paperwork, the lawsuit is being settled for $950,000.

“Honestly, that’s not nearly enough,” Walmart shopper Melissa Schwartz said. “I don’t think any price would be enough.”

“I think they should [pay]. I think that was wrong. That poor guy died,” shopper Kim Orlowski said. “Never enough. How can you pay for a life? You can’t do that. You can never pay for a life.”

Channel 11 did reach out to Center Township and was referred to legal counsel who did not return our phone call.

The lawyer for Vinyard’s family told Channel 11 they would comment at a future date.

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