Providence to Pay $210K to Settle Police Brutality Clam

The city of Providence, Rhode Island has agreed to pay $210,000 to settle a police brutality lawsuit filed by a Central Falls man who was beaten in 2009 while in handcuffs and left in a coma.

WPRI-TV reported that the City Council Committee on Claims and Pending Suits met briefly before approving the payout to Luis Mendonca. It was publicized Tuesday.

The beating by former Providence police Det. Robert DeCarlo was caught on video. The lawsuit singles out DeCarlo for allegedly violating Mendonca’s civil rights and assault and battery.

DeCarlo was convicted in 2011 of assault but that was later overturned. He ultimately pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and resigned.

Two public safety officers at the Rhode Island School of Design were also named in the suit. RISD will pay $45,000.