GRAND RAPIDS – Former Grand Valley State University student Derek Copp, shot by police during a drug raid at his off-campus apartment, received nearly $144,000 to settle his lawsuit against Ottawa County.

The county released a photocopy of the check for $143,750 which was provided by Ottawa County Insurance Agency.

The Press had requested the information after Copp and the county settled the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court. The parties had agreed that the settlement would be confidential.

Gregory Rappleye, Ottawa County corporation counsel, on Dec. 20 rejected a Freedom of Information Request by The Press for details of the settlement. After discussions with attorney James Brady, representing The Press, Rappleye provided a copy of the check on Thursday.

Rappleye said the information requested in the original request was not available at the time.

“Basically, they just reconsidered,” Brady said. The public, he said, is “entitled to know the amount of the settlement.”

The shooting took place while officers with the West Michigan Enforcement Team were executing a search warrant. Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Huizenga's firearm unintentionally discharged as police started to enter.

The investigation had focused on Copp's roommate for selling marijuana.

Copp later pleaded guilty to marijuana distribution under the condition the charge would be cleared if he complied with court orders.

The lawsuit settlement says Copp will support Huizenga in an effort to expunge his misdemeanor conviction for reckless discharge of a weapon.

Huizenga has since returned to the department on road patrol.

E-mail John Agar: jagar@grpress.com