Settlement Reached in Controversial Virginia Police Pepper-Spraying Lawsuit

The town of Windsor, Virginia, has agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by Army Lieutenant Caron Nazario, who was pepper-sprayed during a traffic stop. As part of the settlement, the town will undergo independent reviews of misconduct allegations against its police force and provide more officer training. The state Attorney General's Office will drop its argument that Windsor police violated Nazario's rights. The town will also work towards accreditation by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission, conduct officer training exercises twice a year, and have allegations of excessive force or misconduct reviewed by the Isle of Wight Commonwealth’s Attorney. The settlement comes after an investigation found disparities in traffic stops and vehicle searches by the Windsor Police Department.