BOISE, Idaho — In a lawsuit filed against the City of Boise in 2023, Boise Police Sgt. Kirk Rush claimed former Police Chief Ryan Lee performed an unapproved restraint technique on him, causing severe damage to his neck.
Rush alleged Lee performed the neck hold as a form of retaliation because the two had previous disputes over Lee's plans for the department's K-9 team.
A spokesperson for Boise City, Maria Weeg, announced the settlement in a new release Wednesday, saying, "Rush sought damages for alleged misconduct of former Police Chief Ryan Lee relating to an October 2021 training incident. After significant litigation, the parties participated in court-ordered mediation." Rush and the City’s insurance provider, Intact, reached the settlement during court-ordered mediation. The total settlement was $850,000.
Rush's complaint was one of several that were lodged against former Police Chief Lee. As previously reported by KTVB, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean asked Lee to resign last fall an officer filed complaints against him. Boise Police told KTVB Rush has been with the department since 2004.