New London authorizes settlement in police custody death
New London — The City Council on Monday authorized spending $175,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of Lashano Gilbert, a 31-year-old native of the Bahamas who died in police custody.
Gilbert died on Oct. 4, 2014 after escaping a holding cell at police headquarters and fighting with police. Police used pepper spray and a Taser to subdue Gilbert, who died during transport to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital.
Gilbert’s family had filed a wrongful death suit alleging excessive force by officers and negligence on the part of the hospital and an emergency department doctor. Four officers and Dr. Deirdre Cronin-Vorih had remained a part of the suit that was scheduled to go to trial.
Gilbert’s attorney, Jamaal Johnson, has said Gilbert’s bizarre behavior that led to his arrest can be attributed to a medical condition.
The settlement includes an undisclosed amount of money to be paid by the emergency room doctor. A report to a judge on the status of the settlement is due on Tuesday.
New London Risk Manager Paul Gills said money for the settlement will come from a reserve fund established in the budget for potential litigation.
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