The Hillsdale resident suffered a broken femur after being stopped for no reason, according to his lawsuit
Newark police settled their part of an excessive force lawsuit for $21,000. A Bergen County man allegedly beaten by police officers in Newark during a traffic stop settled his lawsuit for $112,500 earlier this year.
Marcelle Higgs of Hillsdale said UMDNJ police and Newark cops broke his femur when they assaulted him in 2008. The suit also alleges police racially profiled and falsely arrested the then-30-year-old.
The news was first reported by NJ Civil Settlements, which provides a partial list of settlements paid by New Jersey government agencies and their insurers to those who have sued them.
Higgs alleged UMDNJ police pulled him over near the intersection of South Orange Avenue and Bergen Street because he is black. UMDNJ police checked his driver's license, registration and insurance, all of which were valid, according to the lawsuit.
Though Higgs repeatedly asked why he was stopped and why he wasn't allowed to leave, he was given no answer to either question, his lawsuit says.
Once Newark police and additional UMDNJ officers arrived for backup, Higgs alleges he was ordered out of his car and attacked.
Authorities later fabricated a story to justify the illegal stop, Higgs' suit states.
Years later, Higgs said he still walks with a limp and that the leg injury limits his activity. A metal rod placed in his leg during surgery will remain there for the rest of his life.
UMDNJ's share of the settlement is $91,000 with Newark police responsible for the remaining $21,000.
UMDNJ was absorbed by Rutgers and Rowan universities in 2013.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
