Brutality lawsuits put off, for now - Blue Island looks to settle a dozen cases under way

Twelve police-brutality lawsuits against Blue Island have been shelved in federal court while settlement talks are held. Court proceedings will resume if no agreements are reached by mid-May. "None of the cases have been settled," city attorney Cary Horvath said. "The courts encourage parties to try and come to a settlement outside the courts." Chicago lawyer Blake Horwitz, who filed the 12 complaints between October and December, said continuing the multiple cases in different courtrooms could become expensive and time-consuming for both sides. "The plaintiffs and the city recognize that the cases may be able to be resolved outside of the court process," Horwitz said. "To ensure that people's rights are recognized and money is saved, the parties have stipulated to have the cases put in a holding pattern." Horwitz has until May to return to court with his cases. Each case not reinstated by the deadline is deemed closed. Horwitz filed the lawsuits after the death of Antonio Manrique, a 74-year-old Hispanic man who was tackled by Blue Island detectives on Oct. 6 in an incident police have called a case of mistaken identity. Manrique died four days later. The detectives involved have been restricted to desk duty while the Illinois State Police investigates the incident. Manrique's family has sued the city in Cook County Circuit Court. Mayor Donald Peloquin said the out-of-court negotiations were positive steps because the city would have to raise taxes in the event of any large judgments. [more]