Woman Punched By Police At Roadside To Get $1.5 Million Settlement

Remember the woman who was repeatedly punched in the face and head by a police officer at the side of the road some months ago? After a settlement meeting, she will be receiving $1.5m in compensation. The bulk of the money will go into a special needs trust for the 51-year-old victim, Marlene Pinnock.

Pinnock's lawyer Caree Harper said the settlement secured the two things she wanted.

"One of the things we wanted to make sure of was that she was provided for in a manner that accommodated her unique situation in life, and that the officer was not going to be an officer anymore."

A YouTube video posted on 1 July shows a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer straddling Ms Pinnock, and hitting her many times in the head and face.

A CHP statement said the officer, on leave since the incident, has resigned.

CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said in a statement;

"When this incident occurred, I promised that I would look into it and vowed a swift resolution."

"Today, we have worked constructively to reach a settlement agreement that is satisfactory to all parties involved."

Police had said the woman was endangering herself and motorists by walking on the shoulder of a busy highway in the west of Los Angeles.

The incident was captured by passing motorist David Diaz, who said the officer arrived as the woman was walking off the highway, but he "agitated the situation".

The officer, Daniel Andrew, is seen on the video forcing her to the ground, briefly struggling with her before repeatedly punching her.

A few moments later, a plainclothes officer enters the picture and helps his colleague put the woman in handcuffs.

The officer could still face criminal charges. Ms Pinnock will be interviewed by the local prosecutor's office within a few weeks.

Ms Pinnock had said during an interview with AP Mr Andrew "threw me down" and started beating her.

"I felt like he was trying to kill me, beat me to death."

Ms Pinnock told the news agency she had been homeless for the past few years and was on her way to a homeless camp accessible only via a motorway ramp.

Via BBC