City officials have approved a $500,000 settlement for John Monroque, 67, after disturbing surveillance footage emerged showing a police officer repeatedly punching him during an arrest attempt.
The incident, involving West Palm Beach police officer Nicholas Lordi, left Monroque with a broken nose. The footage shows Lordi striking Monroque as he attempted to handcuff him.
Despite the violent nature of the footage, prosecutors declined to file charges against Lordi, citing additional video evidence that allegedly shows Monroque reaching for another officer’s service weapon.
Monroque received the settlement from the city in August 2024.
“There’s obviously no amount of money that could compensate for the pain and suffering that he went through,” said Ricky Armand, a partner at Kelley | Uustal and Monroque’s attorney. “But he is satisfied with the settlement. He is ready to get this case behind him and move forward with his life.”
Read the full story on CW 34.
