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Civil Rights
Police Misconduct
Excessive Force

Steven McNorton v. City of Chino, et al.

Published: Feb. 12, 1994 | Result Date: Jan. 21, 1994 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: CV91580LHM –  $0

Judge

Linda H. McLaughlin

Court

USDC Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Donald W. Jordan Jr.


Defendant

David D. Lawrence
(Lawrence, Beach, Allen & Choi PC)


Experts

Plaintiff

Robert Di Grazia
(technical)

Van Ness H. Bogardus III
(technical)

Defendant

Stanlee B.K. Mazur
(medical)

John Bell
(technical)

Facts

On November 5, 1990, Defendant Chino police officers received a telephone call advising them there was a misdemeanor warrant for the arrest of the Plaintiff Steven McNorton, a 26-year-old body guard, and advising them as to his location. Defendant officers, together with one canine officer, responded to the apartment of the Plaintiff's sister. They were advised that the Plaintiff had recently left the premises. A few minutes later, Plaintiff was located outside at the rear of the apartment building. Plaintiff allegedly resisted arrest and was struck several times with batons and bitten by the canine.

Settlement Discussions

Defendants contend they made no offer and Plaintiff made an "unfirm" demand of $300,000.

Specials in Evidence

$15,000 $9,000 $9,000

Injuries

Laceration to the back of the head requiring sutures; soft tissue injuries to the shoulder and legs from baton blows requiring physical therapy; dog bites to the left arm, leg, and midsection of his torso (no treatments).

Deliberation

6 hours

Poll

8-0

Length

6 days


#77669

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