County to pay $650K to horse pursuit suspect beaten by deputies
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. -- A Southland man who was beaten by several sheriff's deputies following a chase involving a stolen horse has reached a $650,000 settlement with San Bernardino County, officials announced Tuesda, CBS Los Angeles reported.
Attorneys for Francis Jared Pusok finalized the settlement with the county in connection with Pusok's April 9 arrest in Apple Valley, according to San Bernardino County spokesman David Wert.
Pusok, 30, fled by car and then on horse in the desert while deputies chased him on foot after trying to serve a search warrant in an identity-theft investigation.
The county Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the settlement in closed session Tuesday, Wert said.
According to the terms of the agreement, the county "acknowledges no wrongdoing" and settles all potential claims from Pusok that could stem from the incident.
"The sole purpose of this agreement for both parties is to avoid the costs involved in litigation," said Board of Supervisors Chairman James Ramos. "This agreement is a fair outcome for everyone involved, including the taxpayers."
Pusok's violent arrest, which was filmed by a TV news helicopter, led to an FBI civil rights investigation and 10deputies being placed in leave pending an internal probe.
San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon said the video "disturbed and troubled" him and appeared to show an excessive use of force.