$25,000 paid out to man allegedly elbowed, beaten with baton by police
By Jayed Rahman
Published: July 8, 2015
The city council settled a lawsuit in which a resident alleged he was elbowed and beaten with a baton by police officers during a summer 2011 incident. $25,000 was approved by the council to settle the lawsuit brought forth by Carlos Rodriguez.
Rodriguez was allegedly elbowed in the face after he was handcuffed. He was also struck in the back by a police baton, according to city records. Police officers responded to a shooting scene near Rodriguez’s home on July 24th, 2011 after his son was shot.
At the time Rodriguez was celebrating his birthday with a party in his backyard. He heard a gunshot. He realized his son had disappeared from the party. He soon realized his son had been shot.
Rodriguez became “upset” and “inconsolable,” according to city records. He was asked to stay back by police, but an intoxicated Rodriguez did not comply.
He allegedly became physical with the officers which escalated to the point officers handcuffed him. It was during this time he claimed police officers elbowed and beat him with a baton. He went to the emergency room and was treated for bruises, lesions, and contusions, according to city records.
Rodriguez did not require any invasive treatments.
Council members approved the settlement during Tuesday evening’s special deliberation session without any public discussion.