The state of Maryland has agreed to pay $55,000 to an African-American driver who filed a suit against two police troopers who allegedly violated his civil rights.
The decision was made after officials were informed that disagreeing with the case would cost more than a settlement.
David Martin of Philadelphia was stopped for speeding on I-95 in October 2009. His car was searched for drugs, but none were found. During a second search, a loaded but legally owned handgun was discovered on his waistband.
Maryland dropped the case after Martin appeared in court, but once he left he was stopped by police near the same spot and searched again.
State troopers have been accused many times of profiling African-American and Hispanic drivers on I-95, a known drug-trafficking area.
Martin’s lawyer says the settlement shows that the state realizes the wrongfulness of the troopers’ conduct. The Maryland State Police have maintained that they acted accordingly.
