Minneapolis readies payout to settle fourth suit against cop

For the fourth time this year, Minneapolis city leaders will be asked to sign off on a lawsuit settlement involving the same police officer.

Tyrone Barze is a six-year veteran of the force. The latest settlement involves a claim by 23-year-old Madelyn Milton, who said last year Barze punched her after she tried to use her cell phone to record Barze as he responded to an altercation.

Milton's complaint says she suffered head injuries. City officials have recommended settling the suit for $82,000 including attorney's fees.

If approved by the council next week, the city will have paid out $271,772 to settle four lawsuits involving Barze for incidents that happened in 2012 and 2014.

Police union president Lt. Bob Kroll says Barze is a hard-working officer, who is also a use-of-force instructor. The city, he added, is too quick to settle suits against officers.