Man Beaten by California Sheriff's Deputies Settles for $650,000
A California man who was brutality beaten and tased by San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies reached a $650,000 settlement with the county on Tuesday.
Francis Jared Pusok of Apple Valley fled from officers on April 9 after they tried to serve a search warrant at an Apple Valley residence in connection with an identity theft investigation. The convicted felon then led sheriff deputies on a three-hour chase in a vehicle, on foot and on horseback through Apple Valley and Hesperia, reports The Sun.
Eventually, he surrendered after he fell off of a horse that he had stolen in the high desert, northeast of Los Angeles. However, that's when police officers tased him several times while viciously kicking and punching him all over his body, including his head.
The incident was caught on video by a KNBC helicopter.
Following the beating, Pusok was hospitalized and charged with felony evading, theft of a horse and possession of stolen property. He was released from custody on April 12 after posting bail.
Meanwhile, the 10 deputies involved in the incident were placed on paid administrative leave and both the Sheriff's Department and the FBI launched criminal investigations into the matter.
The settlement, which was unanimously approved by county supervisors in a closed meeting on Tuesday, included neither a claim nor a lawsuit, county spokesman David Wert said. Wert added that the settlement was not an admission of guilt or liability on the county's part.
County officials released a statement saying that they came to that agreement with Pusok "in order to avoid litigation expenses."
"The sole purpose of this agreement for both parties is to avoid the costs involved in litigation," said board of supervisors Chairman James Ramos, reports NBC Los Angeles. "This agreement is a fair outcome for everyone involved, including the taxpayers."
Pusok also issued a statement, saying that he and his family are pleased with the deal and hope this case will be a catalyst for change.
"The Pusok family is happy to put this awful chapter of their lives behind them and begin the emotional and physical healing that must take place," the statement said. "This settlement is remarkable as there was essentially no investigation nor any indictments rather it is based on a video which depicts a violent and brutal attack by San Bernardino County deputies on a private citizen."
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