City denies $3.5 million in claims

The City Council has denied three claims totaling $3.5 million against the city that allege excessive force and false arrest by police.

The council voted unanimously to deny the claims, which stem from two incidents, at its May 2 meeting.

Dan Chong alleges that on Oct. 8, 2005 a police officer bent his thumb so far back that it permanently injured his wrist.

Chong’s lawyer, Humberto Guizar, said his client was pulled over by police after a tip led them to believe he had a gun.

During the course of the alleged incident, Guizar said, Chong’s mother, Idalia Chong, had a heart attack in response to the event.

No arrests were ever made, Guizar said.

The mother and son each filed $1-million claims. A claim is required before a lawsuit can be filed. Now that the claims have been rejected, Guizar said the Chongs intend to sue.

In a third claim, Jeffrey Hatfield of Huntington Beach is asking the city for $1.5 million in damages over an alleged false arrest and assault by police that occurred Dec. 2, 2005.

Hatfield alleges he was detained, arrested, incarcerated and assaulted by police officers without probable or reasonable cause.

Police Chief Mike Sellers said his department’s policy is not to comment on claims.