Man Left Paralyzed in Police Encounter Gets $45 Million Settlement
A man who was paralyzed while being transported in the back of a police van will receive a $45 million payout, ending a legal battle against the city of New Haven, Conn.
The man, Richard Cox, 36, known as Randy, was being taken to a police station in New Haven on June 19 on a weapons-related charge in a van that was not equipped with seatbelts. When the vehicle came to a sudden halt, Mr. Cox, who was handcuffed, smashed headfirst into the van’s inside wall. The incident was captured on video.
The case was settled on Friday, two days after the city fired two police officers for their treatment of Mr. Cox. All five officers involved, including those fired, also face criminal charges in the case. An internal investigation into their conduct is ongoing.
“From day one after the tragic incident with Randy Cox occurred, we have been clear that we want to ensure accountability for the New Haven community and justice for Randy,” Mayor Justin Elicker said in an interview on Sunday. “We’ve been clear all along that we wanted to find a pathway to settle the case.”
Source: The New York Times
