Court Reinstates Brutality Lawsuit Against Hartford Police

A federal appeals court has reinstated a brutality lawsuit against Hartford police by a man whose back and a rib were broken during a drug arrest in 2009.

A three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York ruled Monday that U.S. District Judge Vanessa Bryant in Hartford was wrong to dismiss David Rogoz's lawsuit.

The court reinstated claims against Detective George Watson and the city. It also upheld Bryant's dismissal of allegations against several other officers.

Rogoz says he was face down on the ground surrendering when Watson jumped on his back to handcuff him and broke his spine in two places and a rib.

Police say Watson used reasonable force in arresting Rogoz, after Rogoz bought $50 worth of heroin and fled from police.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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