Columbus City Council last night approved a 35 thousand dollar legal settlement with a man who claimed he was the victim of excessive use of force by a Columbus police officer during the Arnold Classic in March of last year. John Edwards was maced while attending an event at Lifestyle Communities Pavilion by officer Ian Pruitt, who was escorting a disorderly person outside when he said Edwards pushed him. Edwards was injured and denies Pruitt's claim. City Attorney Rick Pfeiffer says charges of criminal trespassing filed against Edwards were dismissed due to a lack of evidence.
Council also approved tax breaks for two private businesses. Information Control, a high-tech company, is getting a five-year 25 percent break on income taxes to add 75 jobs at its expanded operations on Corporate Exchange Drive. E-commerce retailer Eloquii Design is getting a five-year 50 percent tax break to move operations from Easton Way to Miranova. The move will create 40 new jobs. The company has also applied for a state tax break.
