The City of Inglewood had better have some deep pockets because attorneys for the City of Los Angeles are suing for nearly $300,000 in damages stemming from an automobile accident involving Mayor James Butts two years ago.
In the April 2019 incident—which was captured on video—Butts, who is riding in an SUV near USC, collided with an oncoming car and then strikes a parked motorcycle traffic officer who is thrown off of his bike and into a water fountain.
The officer, Michael Flynn, suffered extensive injuries, including broken ribs, damage to his nervous system and “permanent physical disability, impairment, scarring and disfigurement, according to legal documents.
The occupants of the other vehicle—a woman and her four year old son—also suffered injuries, though they were not disclosed.
The lawsuit seeks $290,000 in damages to offset not only the officer’s medical costs, but also damage to city property. The officer is also separately suing the City of Inglewood and Butts to cover medical expenses, loss of income and even damage to the officer and his wife’s relationship.
A third lawsuit has been filed on behalf of the woman and her son for lost wages and emotional distress as well as past and future medical fees.
Butts initially said he would take responsibility for the accident if he was found to be at fault, but the City of Inglewood is now reportedly suggesting— in legal papers—that he may only be partially to blame for the accident.
To that end, Inglewood’s City Council has rejected claims from all three parties, the City of Los Angeles, Officer Flynn and the occupants of the second vehicle.
Butts, who is currently being sued by former assistant and ex-girlfriend, Melanie McDade, was also recently accused of sexual misconduct by a second woman, who is seeking $5 million in damages.
This claim was also rejected by Inglewood’s City Council on April 12 and the Mayor has denied the allegations.
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