NEW LONDON — New London has authorized spending $175,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of a 31-year-old man who died in police custody.
Lashano Gilbert died on Oct. 4, 2014 after escaping a holding cell at police headquarters and fighting with police. Police used pepper spray and a stun gun to subdue Gilbert, who died during transport.
The Day reports that Gilbert’s family had filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging excessive force. New London Risk Manager Paul Gills said money for the settlement will come from a reserve fund established in the budget for litigation costs.
A prosecutor found the officers’ use of force justified.
The Gilbert family’s attorney attributed his behavior to a medical condition.
The City Council authorized the expenditure on Monday.