Burlington Police Settle Civil Rights Lawsuit

Burlington, Vermont, just paid $150,000 to settle a civil rights lawsuit over police misconduct involving a Black teen with disabilities. In May 2021, after the teen took vape pens from a gas station, officers allegedly escalated the situation with threats and violence — even injecting him with ketamine and forcing him out of his own home. Despite the acting police chief clearing the officers, a judge found violations of excessive force, racial, and disability discrimination. The ACLU highlighted that officers ignored the teen’s documented disabilities, and the police commission confirmed at least ten policy violations — likely rooted in implicit bias. The mother called it deeply traumatic, stressing that every Black and brown person deserves safety in their own home and community. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/9911ab26bcf76b97