The small Chicago suburb of Oak Lawn has agreed to pay a massive $825,000 settlement to a convicted suspect, Hadi Abuatelah, who fled from police after a traffic stop, ran from officers, and was carrying a loaded firearm.
The incident took place in July 2022 when Oak Lawn police initiated a traffic stop after reportedly smelling marijuana coming from Abuatelah’s vehicle.
When Abuatelah, then 17, bolted from the car, officers chased him and subdued him after a foot pursuit, and when they caught him, they found a loaded pistol in his bag.
During the arrest, body-cam video shows officers punching the teen repeatedly, including more than ten blows to the head and face, while restraining him on the ground.
The teen was hospitalized for six days with a broken nose, skull and pelvic fractures, brain swelling, and other serious injuries.
Hellbound and Down 