New York City Settles Bike-Rookie Dispute Case

August 1, 2012

New York City has paid $225,000 to a woman whose jaw was broken during a confrontation with a New York City police officer.

The Daily News says the settlement was announced last week.

Jessica Williams had filed a civil lawsuit against Officer Desmond Nichols for using excessive force after stopping her for riding her bike on a Brooklyn sidewalk.

The dispute escalated when Williams told Nichols he only stopped her because he was “a rookie.”

According to court records, the officer struck Williams in the jaw. He claimed he responded in self-defense because it looked like she was going to strike him.

The city’s Law Department said the settlement was in the best interest of both parties.

Nichols declined to comment on the settlement.