Current:Home > StocksOregon jury awards man more than $3 million after officer accused him of trying to steal a car-VaTradeCoin
Oregon jury awards man more than $3 million after officer accused him of trying to steal a car
lotradecoin tradingbot View Date:2024-12-25 23:28:33
SALEM, Oregon (AP) — A jury in Oregon has awarded a man more than $3.1 million after a police officer accused him of trying to steal a car he was fixing and allegedly used excessive force when arresting him.
That jury award included more than $2 million in punitive damages to Christopher Garza for false arrest, battery and the use of excessive force in the 2021 incident at a tire store in Salem.
Garza alleged in the lawsuit that on Sept. 17, 2021, Salem Officer David Baker grabbed him, shoved him onto the roof of his police car and handcuffed him with no justification for his arrest.
“Well, I feel vindicated,” Garza told Portland television station KGW-TV. “I feel good that justice has prevailed.
Trevor Smith, a spokesperson for Salem, said in an email Monday to The Associated Press that the city was evaluating the jury’s decision and had no comment.
Garza, a barber, lives next to the tire shop. He was with two other men and working on a car when Baker arrived and accused him of trying to steal the vehicle, according to the lawsuit. Garza said he suffered injuries to his neck, chest, wrists and left hand. He said he also underwent shoulder surgery for injuries suffered during the arrest, and that he thinks they might not fully heal.
“I went through one surgery, and I need another surgery,” Garza said. “My arm probably won’t work the same ever again.”
veryGood! (92)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Follow Your Dreams
- Florida State drops out of AP Top 25 after 0-2 start. Texas up to No. 3 behind Georgia, Ohio State
- Another New Jersey offshore wind project runs into turbulence as Leading Light seeks pause
- Target brings back its popular car seat-trade in program for fall: Key dates for discount
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Dropping Hints
- Small plane reported ‘controllability’ issues before crashing in Oregon, killing 3, officials say
- Oregon hospital hit with $303M lawsuit after a nurse is accused of replacing fentanyl with tap water
- Ex-police officer who joined Capitol riot receives a reduced prison sentence
- GM to retreat from robotaxis and stop funding its Cruise autonomous vehicle unit
- Atlantic City casino workers plan ad blitz to ban smoking after court rejects ban
Ranking
- China's ruling Communist Party expels former chief of sports body
- Chiefs’ Travis Kelce finds sanctuary when he steps on the football field with life busier than ever
- Origins of the Jeep: The birthing of an off-road legend
- Ugandan opposition figure Bobi Wine is shot and wounded in a confrontation with police
- Fewer U.S. grandparents are taking care of grandchildren, according to new data
- Brittni Mason sprints to silver in women's 100m, takes on 200 next
- Khloe Kardashian Shares Sweet Insight Into Son Tatum’s Bond With Saint West
- New Hampshire GOP gubernatorial hopefuls debate a week ahead of primary
Recommendation
-
'Secret Level' creators talk new video game Amazon series, that Pac
-
US job openings fall as demand for workers weakens
-
Man plows into outside patio of Minnesota restaurant, killing 2 and injuring 4 others
-
Justin Theroux Shares Ex Jennifer Aniston Is Still Very Dear to Him Amid Nicole Brydon Bloom Engagement
-
Luigi Mangione Case: Why McDonald's Employee Who Reported Him Might Not Get $60,000 Reward
-
Bachelorette’s Jenn Tran Details Her Next Chapter After Split From Devin Strader
-
Donald Trump's campaign prohibited from using Isaac Hayes song after lawsuit threat
-
Donald Trump's campaign prohibited from using Isaac Hayes song after lawsuit threat