Michigan man settles lawsuit for $1.4 million after being beaten by police during traffic stop

The police officer could face up to 10 years in prison

(Reuters)

Floyd Dent, 57, has settled a lawsuit with the city of Inkster after being beaten by police during a traffic stop earlier this year.

“We offered $1.37 million about a week or so ago,” Inkster Mayor Hilliard Hampton said on Wednesday, referring to the incident that happened on January 28.

“The city wants to put this behind us. I think this is a better way to go as opposed to a long, drawn out trial and litigation.”

The footage of the traffic stop was released in March and showed police officers dragging Mr Dent to the pavement, placing him in a choke-hold, punching him in the head and tasing him with a stun gun three times. Mr Dent spent three days in the hospital recovering.

Nick Bennett, Mr Dent’s attorney, told the Detroit News that his client was pleased with the settlement agreement and ready to move on with his life.

“He’s a humble man of few wants in life,” he said. “And there’s an aspect of putting it behind him. It’s been four months, but for him, it’s been a long time.”

Former police officer William Melendez, 46, was charged in the beating, Michigan Live reported. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy charged Mr Melendez with misconduct of mistreating of a prisoner and assault with intent to do great bodily harm in April. If convicted, Mr Melendez could face up to 10 years in prison.

The self-described "RoboCop" was also fired from the force in April.

Mr Melendez previously said he found cocaine on Mr Dent during the stop, charging him with drug possession and resisting arrest but both charges were eventually dismissed.