Denver Settles Police Brutality Suit for $795K
In January 2009, Alexander Landau experienced a brutal beating at the hands of three Denver police officers who later fabricated police reports so that the Department would not investigate his claims.
This week, a lawsuit filed by Landau alleging that the officers violated his civil rights was settled, with the city council unanimously agreeing to award him $795,000.
As alleged in his complaint, Alexander Landau was pulled over by Ricky Nixon for allegedly making an illegal left turn. Marijuana was then found on his passenger.
Soon after, officers Randy Murry and Tiffany Middleton arrived and attempted to search the trunk of Landau's car, reports KMGH. He objected, asking if the officers had a warrant.
At that point, Alexander Landau was beaten by the three officers with fists, flashlights and radios, reports The Denver Post. He was also subjected to racial slurs.
At the hospital, he was treated for a broken nose, bleeding of the brain, a concussion, and a hemorrhage in his right eye, notes KMGH.
When Landau complained to the Department, the Post reports that administrators refused to conduct an internal investigation.
It was later learned that the officers had lied on their report, claiming that Alexander Landau had tried to grab an officer's handgun.
Police brutality is an ongoing issue in this country with the only effective recourse being lawsuits like that of Alexander Lawsuit.
Federal law, namely Section 1983, permits persons to sue a government official or department if an action violates a person's rights under the 14th Amendment. In the case of excessive force and racial epithets, a person's 14th Amendment rights to equal protection and due process are infringed, giving rise to a claim.
Related Resources:
- Denver settles another police-brutality case (9 News)
- Police Misconduct and Civil Rights (FindLaw)
- Fears of Excessive Force and Confidence in the Legal System Vary by Race: Survey (FindLaw Blotter)
- Man Bites Dog, Sues Police for Excessive Force (FindLaw's Injured)
