A motorcyclist has been awarded $180,000 after a jury concluded a police officer used excessive force to detain him after a chase.
In August 2012, Justin Wilkens sped past Capt. Rob Edwards driving an unmarked police car. The police officer than began pursuing Wilkens on his high-powered motorbike, eventually rear-ending the bike at a traffic light and sending the rider to the pavement.
According to the CT Post, in the incident, Wilkens suffered a fractured rib and before being arrested, was kicked in the chest by the police officer, breaking his collarbone. Jurors believed this violated Wilkens’ rights and ruled that the officer’s decision to rear-end the motorbike was negligent.
Upon leaving the courthouse, Wilkens said “I’m just happy as heck.”
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