USD45m Settlement Reached for Paralyzed Man's Treatment in Connecticut Police Van Incident
Date
6/11/2023 7:23:13 AM
(MENAFN) In a significant development, it has been confirmed by lawyers representing the defendant that a USD45 million settlement has been reached regarding the treatment of Richard "Randy" Cox, who became paralyzed following an incident in a Police van after his 2022 arrest in New Haven, Connecticut. The settlement was announced on Friday and signifies a significant step towards providing compensation and support for Cox's injuries.
The incident occurred on June 19, 2022, when Cox sustained a neck injury while being transported to prison in a police van. Reports indicate that the van braked abruptly to avoid a collision with another vehicle emerging from a side street. Since there were no seat belts in the van, and Cox's hands were cuffed, he was unable to brace himself for the impact and struck the metal divider between the driver's section and the prisoners' area.
Video footage captured during the incident revealed Cox pleading for assistance while the officers present accused him of being intoxicated and doubted the severity of his injuries. Despite his visible distress, Cox was placed in a wheelchair and subsequently taken to a cell where they awaited the arrival of an ambulance.
As a result of this incident, two police officers involved, Jocelyn Lavandier and Luis Rivera, were dismissed from their positions for violating officer conduct rules pertaining to upholding the law, integrity, trustworthiness, courtesy, and respect. Furthermore, both Lavandier and Rivera, along with three other officers, are currently facing criminal charges related to the incident.
New Haven's Mayor Justin Elicker issued a statement acknowledging the incident and expressing the city's commitment to implementing comprehensive reforms within the police department. These reforms include updating policies and procedures regarding the transfer of individuals in custody and mandating department-wide training on the duty to intervene. Mayor Elicker also emphasized that the officers involved are being held accountable both by the police department and through the judicial process.
The multimillion-dollar settlement not only signifies a measure of justice for Richard Cox and his family but also highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in police custody. It serves as a reminder of the need for proper training, adherence to protocols, and accountability within law enforcement agencies to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
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