Minneapolis considers settling teen's claim of excessive force by cop

Minneapolis City Council members Monday will consider settling a lawsuit brought by a teenager who alleges a police officer put him in a neck restraint until he lost consciousness.

According to the lawsuit complaint, 18-year-old Dontae Thomas was summoned to an office in Patrick Henry High School on Jan. 12, 2012. The complaint says two police officers met with Thomas behind closed doors to talk to him about a report that he'd been disruptive during lunchtime.

Thomas alleges Officer Tyrone Barze used excessive force on him. The complaint quotes a doctor who examined Thomas and said the young man sustained injuries consistent with strangulation.

In a court deposition, Barze said Thomas swung his arms and pushed him into a file cabinet. Barze said he placed Thomas in a neck restraint, but said Thomas stayed conscious throughout the altercation.

A city official recommended that settling for $140,000 would be "in the best interests of the city."

According to city records, Barze has been the subject of nine internal affairs investigations. Four were closed with no disciplinary action taken. The remaining five investigations are still open. Barze was recognized in 2009 for saving the life of a choking toddler.