SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A California man who was left paralyzed after he was slammed to the bottom throughout a site visitors cease gained a $20 million settlement, one of many largest within the state’s historical past, officers introduced Tuesday.

Gregory Gross, an Army veteran who lives in Yuba City, sued the police division in 2022 after law enforcement officials used “pain compliance” methods and expressed disbelief when he repeatedly cried out, “I can’t feel my legs.” Police officers additionally dismissed Gross when he stated, “I can’t breathe,” whereas being held facedown on the garden outdoors a hospital. Gross was accused of driving drunk and inflicting a slow-speed collision in April 2020.

Gross was left with a damaged neck, and he underwent two surgical procedures to fuse his backbone. He stated the officers’ use of power left him unable to stroll or look after himself, and he now wants round the clock nursing look after the remainder of his life.

“We are not against the police,” stated Attorney Moseley Collins, who represents Gross. “We are for the police, but we are against police brutality when it occurs.”

The settlement is amongst one of many largest police misconduct settlements in California historical past. In May, the state agreed to pay $24 million to the household of a person who died in police custody after screaming, “I can’t breathe,” as a number of officers restrained him whereas making an attempt to take a blood pattern.

The settlement may also lead to some reforms within the Yuba City police division. Yuba City Police Chief Brian Baker will probably be at a information convention Tuesday to supply particulars.

In the police physique digital camera video equipped by Gross’ legal professionals, an officer is seen twisting Gross’ already handcuffed arms and forcibly seating him on a garden. At one level, officers slammed him on the bottom and held him facedown as Gross repeatedly cried out that he couldn’t really feel his legs and he couldn’t breathe.

“Mr. Gross, we are done with your silly little games,” an officer tells him.

In September 2021, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a regulation barring police from utilizing sure facedown holds which have led to a number of unintended deaths. The invoice was aimed toward increasing on the state’s ban on chokeholds within the wake of George Floyd’s homicide.

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