$900,000 to Octogenarian Tased by Police
Kingstree, South Carolina will pay a $900,000 settlement in a case in which police officers Tased an elderly man.
Albert Chatfield, 86, was having an undisclosed mental health issue one day in October 2017. Kingstree police responded, and Chatfield led them on a brief chase. According to the police report, when Chatfield neared a busy intersection, the senior citizen began jogging backward and assumed a “fighting stance.” Police claimed they were concerned for Chatfield’s safety, so they electrocuted him with a Taser. However, dash cam footage showed nothing but stopped vehicles in the intersection.
Chatfield was taken to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with bleeding on his brain. According to Chatfield’s daughter, Jodie, he spent at least a month in the ICU as a result of his injuries.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division officials investigated the incident, but no charges have been filed. Justin Bamberg, Chatfield’s attorney, noted that despite the lack of charges, the city was quick to settle, and he called the situation “one of the quickest and most considerable pre-suit settlements in a police-related Taser case ever in South Carolina.”
“We are pleased that the city of Kingstree has settled this case so quickly and ensured that Mr. Chatfield will get the care he needs as he hopefully makes a substantial recovery,” Bamberg said.
Source: http://abcnews4.com
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