News

Actions

Hampton settles with family of man who died in custody

Posted at 12:14 AM, Mar 20, 2014
and last updated 2014-03-20 00:14:50-04

Hampton, Va. - The city has reached a settlement with the family of a man who died in their custody.

Back in December of 2009, Hampton Police showed up at Hatchel Adams' home to serve him court documents.

They thought it would be a routine assignment until Adams pulled out a samurai sword and wielded it at them.

Police shot Adams with a Taser gun.

Investigators say he pulled the probes out so officers tased him again.

He stopped breathing and died at the hospital.

Today the city of Hampton said it will pay Adams' family $500, 000.

They also said they will continue to improve and enhance training and policy in dealing with mentally ill people and their families.