Black Man Driving BMW Dragged Through Window Gets $180,000; Police Admit No Liability - Still Employed

The city of Springfield reaches a settlement with a black school principal who was allegedly attacked by five white police officers.

Douglas Greer was pulled from his car by the officers in January 2005 as he was having a diabetic attack while parked at a convenience store.

Greer, who at the time was the principal of the Robert M. Hughes Academy Charter School in Springfield, says the officers kicked and choked him and accused him of being on drugs.

One of the officers in his original report said police were trying to restrain Greer as he thrashed and screamed before he was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Greer is now principal at the New Leadership Charter School in Springfield, according to the state Department of Education's Web site.

One of Greer's lawyers, Perman Glenn III, hailed the $180,000 settlement as a "step forward in exposing and combating police brutality in Springfield." But under the agreement, the city and police officers admit no liability.

About a month after the incident involving Greer, the city's police commission voted not to pursue disciplinary action against the officers. All five officers are still in the police department, said city attorney Edward Pikula.
The Department of Education Web site indicates Greer is now principal at the New Leadership Charter School in Springfield. [MORE] and [MORE] and [MORE]