Family of Man Who Died After Being Hogtied Gets $500,000
An award of $500,000 was given Tuesday to the family of a 35-year-old man who died near Hollywood after he struggled and was hogtied by police officers.
The settlement, approved by the Los Angeles City Council, concludes a lawsuit by the family of Richard Coleman, who was hogtied in May, 1993, after he was spotted banging his head against the pavement on Sunset Boulevard, according to official accounts.
When paramedics arrived, Coleman was hoisted onto a gurney and strapped face-down. Investigators determined that Coleman went into cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital.
Investigations by the LAPD, Fire Department and district attorney found no wrongdoing by the officers or paramedics.
Nonetheless, Coleman’s death was ruled a homicide by the coroner because of the combined effects of methamphetamine intoxication and the restraint maneuvers used.
The settlement was among six claims and lawsuits totaling $2.5 million that the council voted to settle.
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