Aviation Cop Fired for Harming Passenger During Incident Sues City, Airline
A former Chicago aviation police officer is suing the City and an airline for being fired after he helped drag a 69 year-old man off a United Airlines flight when the man refused to give up a seat he paid for after being requested to do so by flight staff. James Long was one of several police officers who forcibly removed David Dao last April in an incident that garnered national attention after a video of the situation went viral. Dao was asked to give up his seat after the airline overbooked the flight and alleged they needed to make room for employees. He refused, and the subsequent encounter with Long and other officers resulted in Dao receiving a concussion, broken nose, and losing two front teeth. Long, who was fired, is suing for damages resulting in the loss of his job, including benefits, vacation, insurance coverage, punitive damages, and legal fees. (Reuters)