California to pay $24M to family of man who died in CHP custody after screaming 'I can't breathe'

Attorneys for a man who died after being pulled over by the California Highway Patrol nearly two years ago are accusing officers of using excessive force following his arrest.California will pay a $24 million civil rights settlement to the family of a man who died in police custody after screaming "I can't breathe" as multiple officers restrained him while trying to take a blood sample, lawyers said Tuesday.

The settlement comes amid renewed scrutiny of potentially fatal restraints following last week's death of a New York City subway rider, Jordan Neely, who was placed in a chokehold by a U.S. Marine veteran. Bronstein's death also echoes that of Eric Garner, a New Yorker put in a chokehold by police in 2014 and whose dying words "I can't breathe" became a chant in protests against racial injustice. Both Garner and Neely were Black.

When announcing the criminal charges in March, LA County District Attorney George Gascón said the highway patrol officers failed Bronstein, "and their failure was criminally negligent, causing his death." The video, filmed by the sergeant, shows several officers forcing a handcuffed Bronstein to a mat on the floor as he shouts, "I'll do it willingly! I'll do it willingly, I promise!"

After they realize he may not have a pulse and does not appear to be breathing, they slap his face and say, "Edward, wake up." More than 11 minutes after his last screams, they begin CPR.In a statement, CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee extended condolences to the family and said he would respect the judicial process. His office didn't immediately respond Tuesday to request for comment on the settlement.

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$24M California settlement in death of man in police custodyLawyers say California will pay a $24 million civil rights settlement to the family of a man who died in police custody after screaming “I can’t breathe.” Multiple officers had restrained him as they tried to take a blood sample following his arrest. Seven California Highway Patrol officers and a nurse were charged earlier this year with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the 2020 death of Edward Bronstein. An attorney for Bronstein’s parents and children said Tuesday it’s the largest civil rights settlement of its kind by the state of California. The lawyer said it's the second largest nationally since the city of Minneapolis paid $27 million in the George Floyd case. Seven California Highway Patrol officers and a nurse were charged earlier this year with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the 2020 death of Edward Bronstein.
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$24M California settlement in death of man in police custodyLawyers say California will pay a $24 million civil rights settlement to the family of a man who died in police custody after screaming “I can’t breathe.”
Source: WOKVNews - 🏆 247. / 63 Read more »

California to pay $24M for man's death in police custodyLawyers say California will pay a $24 million civil rights settlement to the family of a man who died in police custody after screaming “I can’t breathe.”
Source: WOKVNews - 🏆 247. / 63 Read more »