Trujillo, Peru

Houston Mayor John Whitmire says the city will review some of the hundreds of claims filed by residents whose property was damaged during police operations, following reporting on University of Houston student Abigail Trujillo. Trujillo's car was totaled during a police shootout at the Highland Village shopping center on July 6, as officers tried to arrest Jamarcus Spates. Her compensation claim was initially denied. Whitmire, who arranged for the police union to provide her a replacement car, said the city has legal authority under Texas sovereign immunity law to deny such claims but argued fairness should guide decisions on innocent bystanders' losses.

A 1980 Texas Supreme Court ruling holds that innocent third parties are constitutionally entitled to compensation for property damaged during government actions, a precedent attorneys say bolsters such claims. Debra Spates, whose car was damaged in the same incident while her son (who had stolen it) was inside, also seeks compensation, but Whitmire said he does not believe she qualifies. It remains unclear how the city will evaluate other pending claims or whether past denials will be reconsidered.