Echo Park -- Los Angeles has tentatively agreed to pay $500,000 to two Knock LA reporters on the eve of trial of a civil rights lawsuit accusing the Los Angeles Police Department of their wrongful arrest in Echo Park, attorneys announced Tuesday.

The payment would resolve the suit brought by reporters Jonathan Peltz and Kathleen Gallagher, who claimed the LAPD violated their First and Fourth Amendment rights by arresting them for simply reporting about a protest and police actions at Echo Park Lake on March 25, 2021.

Without admitting wrongdoing, the city agreed Monday to settle the suit just before jury selection was set to begin in Los Angeles federal court. The payout, which still needs approval from the City Council, would cover damages and attorney fees.

The reporters and their la

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