Waterbury police lose excessive force suit

NEW HAVEN - A Torrington man, who claimed he was the victim of excessive force by members of the Waterbury Police Department, was awarded nearly $70,000 Friday.

A jury in U.S. District Court here deliberated about four hours before rendering the verdict of $68,000 for Darnell Humphrey against the Waterbury Police Department and officer Renato Crea.

“While no amount of money will make up for the serious injuries my client suffered he is pleased the jury found that officers used excessive force against him,” Humphrey’s lawyer, said Noah Kores of Bridgeport.

In the early morning of July 10, 2013, Humphrey left a bar on Frost Road in Waterbury and was walking to his car when he noticed he was being followed by Officer Crea, according to the civil rights lawsuit.

The suit states that without provocation Crea asked Humphrey if he had any drugs in his car which Humphrey responded he did not. Crea then ordered Humphrey to stand on the curb while the officer searched Humphrey’s car.

When he didn’t find any illegal substances, the suit states Crea punched Humphrey in the face causing substantial facial injuries and later requiring Humphrey to undergo plastic surgery and eye surgery.