Inkster Residents On The Hook For $1.4M Police Beating Settlement

INKSTER (WWJ/AP) - Residents in Inkster are being asked to pay a special tax to settle a $1.4 million lawsuit with a motorist who was severely beaten by a police officer during a traffic stop.

"Inkster residents may not be happy, but there's not a lot they can do about it," said WWJ Legal Analyst Charlie Langton.

Inkster's Treasurer Mark Stuhldreher told the Detroit News the levy on July tax bills will fund the settlement with Floyd Dent. A resident with an average property value of $55,000 about $180 more than usual.

Stuhldreher said the city has an insurance policy, but it only kicks in if the settlement is over $2 million.

"It's an assessment and that's the way they do it," said Langton. "If there's no insurance and there's not enough money in the general fund, there's a tax hike and residents have to pay."

The higher tax is due by Aug. 31.

Dent sued the city earlier this year after all charges against him were dropped.

[VIDEO: Inkster Police Dashcam Violent Arrest Of Floyd Dent]

Footage from a police dashboard camera shows fired officer William Melendez, 46, repeatedly punching Dent during a traffic stop in January. Prosecutors say they weren't aware of the beating until WDIV-TV aired the video weeks later and it subsequently went viral online, drawing protests.

A judge last week decided there's enough evidence to send the case against Melendez — known by the nickname "Robocop" — to trial in Wayne County court on charges of misconduct in office and assault with intent to do great bodily harm in connection with the beating.

Melendez has denied any wrongdoing. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Police had claimed Dent, who was driving on a suspended license, refused to stop and had cocaine in the car; although Dent claimed police planted the drugs.

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.