GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio — Garfield Heights has settled a federal civil rights lawsuit after a man says he was arrested and beaten for “laughing while black” for $80,000.
Robert Spencer said Garfield Heights police officers drove down his street and passed him in his yard with local children, according to the Chandra Law Firm.
Spencer claimed police confronted him with false and rapidly accounting "threats" he supposedly made as they drove by.
The officers arrested and beat him at the police station, according to the Chandra Law Firm.
Garfield Heights has agreed to train officers on the First Amendment and civil rights.
Spencer's attorney also says the city has agreed to pay $80,000.
News 5 has contacted the city of Garfield Heights for comment.
