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$750,000 Settlement Reached In Virginia Police Abuse Case

A Virginia Commonwealth resident (Walker) was seriously injured by police during the use of excessive force. Police thought he was a rape suspect and shot him and then beat him with a nightstick. Walker brought suit which was settled prior to trial.

Walker was chased on foot by police because he resembled a suspect. He was taken to the ground and beaten after being shot in the head, suffering several fractures resulting in seizures, brain damage, and partial body numbness. He had already incurred just over $45,000 for medical care and faced upwards of $50,000 in future medical expenses. His promising music career no longer existed and he could not return to work due to the extent of his injuries. Walker brought a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 action for excessive force and unlawful arrest as well as claims of assault and battery, gross negligence, and false imprisonment. The police claimed that their actions were justified because they thought that he was carrying a weapon. The suit settled for $750,000 on April 7, 2005. See: Walker v. Terhune, Case No. 2:04-cv-58£ U.S. Dist. E.D. Va.

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Related legal case

Walker v. Terhune