Sacramento settles police beating lawsuit, promises reforms

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California’s capital city has agreed to reform its policing practices and pay a black man $550,000 after a police officer threw him to the ground and repeatedly punched his face.

Nandi Cain’s lawyers announced the tentative settlement Friday. Cain had sued Sacramento, California, saying he was targeted because of his race.

Mayor Darrell Steinberg’s office says the city has reached a settlement with Cain and is waiting for him to return the written agreement with his signature.

The altercation occurred a year ago when an officer accused Cain of jaywalking and threw him to the ground when Cain argued.

Cain’s lawyers say Sacramento agreed to update its use-of-force policy.

Sacramento police have faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks after two officers shot Stephon Clark, a 22-year-old unarmed black man.