Paterson pays $40,000 to settle alleged excessive force lawsuit
By Jayed Rahman
Published: November 10, 2016
The city is settling a federal lawsuit filed by a man alleging police officers attacked him with a flashlight and falsely charged him with several crimes by paying out $40,000, according to city records and court complaint.
Mohammed Abdelaziz alleged he was approached by several police officers, who allegedly attacked him with a flashlight and another object, on January 6th, 2014.
Abdelaziz claims in his court complaint police officers “falsely charged” him with several crimes. His lawsuit states these charges were later “terminated” in his favor.
He also alleged he was subjected to illegal search and seizure. And police did not have probable cause to stop him, reads his court complaints.
Abdelaziz also alleges his Internal Affairs complaint with the police was not properly investigated because he did not receive a response from police.
The city’s attorneys have agreed to pay $40,000 to Abdelaziz to settle the lawsuit. The city council discussed the case in a closed door session several weeks ago.
Council members approved the $40,000 settlement on Wednesday night in a special meeting.
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