Pennsylvania City Settles Police Chase Lawsuit for $6,000

Pittsburgh City Council has approved paying $6,000 to settle an excessive force lawsuit filed by a man serving 10 to 20 years in prison for a bank robbery and 20-mile, rush-hour police chase.

Tuesday’s vote settles the lawsuit filed in August by 39-year-old John McAleavey Jr., of Ridgemont, who claimed police were too rough and wrongfully used stun guns during his arrest in September 2008.

McAleavey sued claiming officers broke his nose, injured his head and left him with nerve damage by shocking him for 20 seconds. He claims the injuries hindered his “future horizons” because he can’t work or care for himself.

McAleavey pleaded guilty in January to charges from the September 2008 bank robbery and related chase.