OKC settles excessive force lawsuit for $70k

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma City has agreed to pay a $70,000 settlement to a man who says he was in a medical crisis when an officer violently arrested him.

Jeffery Lassiter sued the city over the incident that happened on August 9, 2021.

According to the lawsuit filed in Oklahoma City federal court, he was driving from Oklahoma City to Dallas when he became overheated, dehydrated, and ultimately diagnosed with kidney failure.

He then drove to a Love's gas station on SW 89th near I-44 to get a cold drink, and during the process, he stumbled and knocked over a water display.

That's when store employees called 911, reporting that he was destroying property.

In bodycam footage, you can see Lassiter approach OKCPD Sgt. Nathan Cross to explain his situation, you can see his hands in the air, but seconds later he is taken to the ground.

In the lawsuit, it points out that Sgt. Cross's bodycam turned off during part of the altercation.

During those moments, he claims Sgt. Cross grabbed his arm and stomped on it "as if it was breaking a piece of firewood" and then hit him several times in the back and side.

In a report, Sgt. Cross said, "While utilizing a wrist lock and arm bar I heard a loud pop."

Lassiter suffered a broken arm, a fractured hip, and acute renal failure.

Police claimed Lassiter was intoxicated, belligerent, and responsible for multiple hit-and-run accidents before arriving at the store, but all charges against him were later dropped.

Lassiter's lawsuit claims the excessive force was obvious.

Now, the city is paying up but did not admit any wrongdoing.

Lassiter's attorney said his client is happy to have the case settled but is still suffering from health conditions related to the 2021 incident.

OKCPD did not comment, but confirmed that Sgt. Cross is still on the job.