I think the offender should be made to pay, not the taxpayer.
"Woman hit by California officer gets $1.5 million" Associated Press September 26, 2014
LOS ANGELES — A woman punched repeatedly by a California Highway Patrol officer on the side of a freeway, an episode caught on video, will get $1.5 million in a settlement, and the officer will resign.
An attorney for Marlene Pinnock confirmed the dollar amount.
The punches occurred after motorists’ 911 calls reported that Pinnock, who is bipolar, was walking along the freeway and the officer pulled her from traffic, according to a document in the case.
A CHP statement said Officer Daniel Andrew, who joined the force in 2012, ‘‘has elected to resign.’’ He could still be charged in the case.
The bulk of the settlement will take the form of a special needs trust for Pinnock.
Pinnock’s attorney, Caree Harper, said the settlement fulfilled the two elements her side was looking for. ‘‘One of the things we wanted to make sure of was that she was provided for in a manner that accommodated her unique situation in life,’’ Harper said, ‘‘and that the officer was not going to be an officer anymore.”
The July 1 video of Andrew punching Pinnock was recorded by a driver on Interstate 10. According to a court file, Andrew had pulled Pinnock from oncoming traffic and she resisted by pushing him.
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