NYC wrongful death lawsuit settled
New York City has reached a settlement with the family of an unarmed National Guardsman killed by police during a Queens traffic stop. The city will reportedly pay $2.5 million to the family of Noel Polanco.
Emergency Service Unit Detective Hassan Hamdy shot Polanco on Oct. 4, 2012 through an open passenger window because he believed Polanco was reaching under the seat. During trial, Hamdy testified that Polanco refused to show Hamdy his hands and lunged toward the floor, presumably to reach for a weapon. No weapon was found in Polanco’s vehicle, and a passenger in the car stated that Polanco had his hands on the steering wheel during the entire interaction with Hamdy.
Criminal charges were brought against Hamdy, but a Queens grand jury refused to vote on a true bill of indictment. “I think [Hamdy’s tearful testimony] was the compelling factor,” Hamdy’s attorney said at the time. “I think the jurors believed him.”
