Brothers say cops beat them in their driveway after motor vehicle stop
An excessive force lawsuit against Dumont police has been settled for $140,000. DUMONT — A Dumont family who alleged borough police used excessive force against them in their own driveway settled a lawsuit for $140,000.
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.
While one of the two adult brothers later pleaded guilty to a disorderly persons offense, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office dropped a slew of other charges agains the the men and their parents.
The June 23, 2012 incident began when Chonan Persad, then 28, and Rovin Persad, then 27, arrived home after a night out with friends.
Two Dumont police officers who had been following the Persads ordered Rovin Persad to exit the car and conducted a field sobriety test. Persad said he passed the tests several times and began walking toward the house after he became "tired of the harassment," according to court papers.
Man allegedly beaten settles suit
At that point, one of the officers ran toward Rovin Persad, placing him in a headlock and applying a chokehold, the suit alleges. As Chonan Persad exited the vehicle to take photographs, the officer allegedly assaulting his brother tripped on an object in the driveway and fell, according to the suit.
The second cop then accused Chonan Persad of assaulting his partner and placed the older brother under arrest. Soon a sergeant arrived and also began assaulting the brothers, the lawsuit says.
When the mother, Anjanie Persad, opened the front door to the house, she alleges she was pepper-sprayed after refusing one of the officers' orders to close to the door and stay inside.
At some point, police also maced Rovin Persad, the plaintiffs say.
Five days after the altercation police filed obstruction of justice charges against all four family members.
In agreeing to the payout, Dumont police admitted no wrongdoing.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.