Orlando hands over check to woman who claimed excessive force by police

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The city of Orlando just handed over a sizeable check to a woman who sued the city after she was arrested at the Citrus Bowl in 2003.

Heather Hull claimed officers went too far in making the arrest nearly a decade ago, and a jury agreed.

"You see one officer throw her to the ground, Taser her. She's on the ground screaming in pain and another officer come up and put a Taser in her stomach," said attorney Howard Marks, describing the arrest, which was captured on tape.

Police said Hull tried to go for an officer's gun while tailgating before the football game.

Hull was here at the Citrus Bowl when she said she kneeled down to check on a friend who had been tackled by police. She said that's when police got out of hand.

Hull sued the Orlando Police Department for excessive force and civil rights violations.

Last year she won at trial and a jury awarded her more than $76,000.

The city appealed but late Friday the court again ruled in Hull's favor and forced the city to pay more money.

The city of Orlando handed Hull's representatives a check, signed by Mayor Buddy Dyer, for $244,000.

Hull will get her share and the rest will pay for attorney's fees and court costs.

"She wanted to be compensated money, but it was more the principle to her than anything," said Marks.

Orlando police changed policies on Tasers following the incident with Hull. Her attorney said that was some consolation to Hull.

According to her attorney, Hull is glad to put the incident behind her.

"She is very satisfied with the result, and we're glad justice was served in this case," said Marks.

The city had no response to Friday's court ruling.

WFTV