SAN FRANCISCO—On Monday, July 27, a case between the city of San Francisco and a bicyclist named D’Paris “DJ” Williams was dismissed after reaching a $20,000 settlement.
The case involves Williams suing the city of San Francisco for a case of police brutality that occurred back in 2013. On November 15, 2013 around 3:30 p.m. Williams had been making his way back to his home after participating in a Make-A-Wish Foundation event.
Williams arrived at his front door when he was confronted by plainclothes police officers Gregory Skaug, Milen Banegas, and Theodore Polovina. The officers called out to Williams, but Williams ignored the officers and continued into his home. The officers called out to Williams again, telling him to come out of the house because he was in trouble for riding his bicycle on the sidewalk. He reportedly apologized for riding on the sidewalk, but refused to leave his home.
The officers proceeded to grab Williams and forcefully removed him from his home. They then threw him on the ground and began to beat him by kicking and punching him all over his body. By the time the assault was over, the officers handcuffed Williams and claimed to have been arresting him for resisting arrest, assault and for riding a bicycle on the sidewalk.
Williams was taken to the hospital by the officers, where he was handcuffed to the bed. According to the complaint, Williams said he heard the officers laughing outside his room about him.
He remained in jail for three days after being released rom the hospital. All charges against him were dropped.
Williams filed a suit against the City of San Francisco in 2014. The $20,000 settlement was reached in May 2015.
