Paterson man, who claimed in lawsuit cops took his bike, gets $30,000
By Jayed Rahman
Published: March 22, 2018
The city has agreed to pay $30,000 to settle a man’s federal lawsuit that alleged police beat him and took his bicycle.
Council members voted 4-2 to settle Norris Rochelle’ lawsuit in a special meeting on Tuesday night.
Rochelle claimed detective Troy Allen attacked him “without provocation or warning” on Jul. 26, 2013 after he exited the Walgreens on East 18th Street.
His lawsuit state Allen and other officers were at the parking lot of the pharmacy when he entered the store after parking his bicycle in front.
Rochelle claims Allen took his bicycle by force when he exited the pharmacy after making a purchase.
Allen allegedly “gave it to an unknown individual who then left the scene with the bicycle,” according to court documents.
Rochelle alleges other officers stood by while he was being physically assaulted.
Rochelle “was then forcible thrown against a police vehicle, was handcuffed and then thrown into the back of the vehicle,” says the lawsuit.
Rochelle was taken to the downtown Paterson police station for processing. There, Allen allegedly indicated, Rochelle was arrested for “for talking shit in front of the van,” according to court filings.
The lawsuit says Rochelle did not speak to Allen as he attempted to leave the area.
Council members Andre Sayegh and Luis Velez voted against the settlement without making any public comments.
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