The City of San Diego paid a police brutality victim $100,000 in 2019 to settle his case which stemmed from an incident that occurred in 2016. NBC San Diego says that on November 24th, Melvin Brown and his fiancé had gotten into an argument at their apartment in Bankers Hill. Brown allegedly broke a plate and left without any further incident, says the source. The police were called regarding the domestic dispute and arrived at Brown’s home just after midnight.
Apparently, Brown’s fiancé had called 911 to report the altercation as well as to “inquire about Brown’s whereabouts.” When officers arrived, they spoke with Brown’s finance inside the apartment while he sat inside his car in the parking lot. He decided to go and speak with officers but before entering the apartment, he allegedly knocked on the door first. According to Brown’s complaint, two officers, Officers George Smith and Radford Pajita, drew their batons and confronted Brown at the door. Brown claims he began to move his backpack which prompted officers to beat him with their batons.
The complaint goes on to accuse Smith of “beating Brown viciously and sadistically with his metal telescoping baton.” Brown was on the floor at this point trying to protect himself as Smith continued striking him. As a result of the beating, Brown received eight staples in his head. Officers then suggested charging Brown with assault with a deadly weapon, threatening to kill his fiancé, and resisting arrest although he says he never became physical with his her nor did he throw the plate at her.
The source says that Brown had to spend the next two months in jail as he refused to plead guilty to the charges. His case went to trial and the jury found Brown not guilty on all charges. Then in 2017, Brown filed a lawsuit against the City of San Diego for excessive force, false arrest, deliberate falsification of evidence, and malicious prosecution. After two years, a settlement was finally reached, Brown was awarded $100,000, and the case was dismissed.
Can I sue the City of San Diego for police misconduct?
If a San Diego, CA officer violated your rights or abused their power to harm you, make a false arrest, etc., then you may not only have a claim against the city, but also the officer. While police officers are given a substantial amount of authority of civilians, it doesn’t mean they hold the right to take advantage of individuals or physically harm them when they choose. If an officer in San Diego became violent towards you and the use of force was uncalled for, you need to speak with a San Diego, CA police brutality lawyer.
Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates can help you understand your rights as a police brutality victim and how you can file a claim against the city and/or officer so that you are able to recover compensation for your pain and suffering. You can reach a CA police brutality attorney now by calling 619-233-8021.