Massachusetts Traffic Stop Death Lawsuit Settled for $1.6M

The family of a Worcester, Mass., man who died after he was arrested at a state police checkpoint in North Andover three years ago has settled a wrongful death lawsuit filed against three law enforcement agencies for $1.6 million.

Officials said 45-year-old Kenneth Howe struck a state trooper during the traffic stop on Nov. 25, 2009 and was subdued by several officers. The family said he became unresponsive while being booked and later died at the hospital.

The family said in the suit the physical beating and 46-minute delay in calling for medical services led to Howe’s death.

Three agencies – state police, North Andover police and the Essex County sheriff – agreed to pay varying portions of the settlement, although no police officer or trooper was ever disciplined or charged.