Wichita City Council has recommended the authorization of a $500,000 settlement to a man who was shot at Cowtown in 2020.
The shooting happened on Sept. 18th during the apparent accidental discharge of a firearm. The victim was 24-years-old at the time, and suffered non-life threatening injuries to the head, face, and upper body. The incident happened during a historical reenactment. The performer, Robert Hartung, of Winfield, believed he was shooting blanks.
Hartung reportedly told police that no one checked his guns before the performance and that he loaded his .38 caliber revolver with blanks provided by the event organizers. Hartung pled no contest to aggravated battery and was sentenced in to three years’ probation last year.
According to the meeting agenda, City officials said they were inclined to agree with the authorization because of “uncertainty of an adverse judgment at trial.” The shooting victim offered to accept the lump sum payment
City Council will vote on the settlement at its meeting on Tuesday, June 27th.
