The city agreed to settle a federal civil rights action brought against several police officers, the chief and the municipality two years ago by three deaf residents who accused police of using excessive force in a 2002 criminal arrest.
Council members unanimously agreed to settle the lawsuit for $50,000, an amount recommended by Frank Szilagyi, the attorney representing the city's carrier, Kemper Insurance Companies. The amount, which also represents the policy limit, is to be distributed to the plaintiffs, Wendell Hunte, Barbara Hunte and Roosevelt Hunte, former residents of 17 Alvord St., Torrington.
The case stemmed from a custodial interference matter. On the evening of July 10, 2002, police received a complaint that Kenuel Hunte, the plaintiffs' brother, took his 7-year-old daughter from her home on Albrecht Road. Police met up with Kenuel at his sibling's residence and a dispute broke out between police and the Huntes. The Huntes claimed police did not heed their sign language and used pepper spray to subdue them, and police claimed the Huntes attacked officers with construction materials including two-by-fours with protruding nails.
The criminal cases brought against the Huntes were resolved. In the federal suit, the three plaintiffs alleged physical injuries and emotional distress.read more
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