Michigan Man Blinded by Cop Gets $4M

A Michigan jury has awarded Daniel Reiff $4 million after he lost an eye due to an officer's excessive force. The incident occurred on April 2, 2021, when Officer Broc Setty punched Reiff in the face, causing him to lose sight in his left eye and suffer severe facial fractures. Reiff's attorney stated the eyeball "squished like a grape," requiring multiple surgeries and facial reconstruction.

Reiff, who was on his way to a roofing job in Clinton Township, had run from police due to a history of drug use and anxiety. Officer Setty pursued Reiff, exiting his vehicle and chasing him on foot before allegedly threatening to tase him and then striking him. The lawsuit detailed Reiff's ongoing fear and distrust of law enforcement following the violent encounter.

The jury awarded Reiff $4 million in compensatory damages and an additional $50,000 in punitive damages. The funds will help cover Reiff's substantial medical bills, which have accumulated over the past four years. It remains unclear if Officer Setty is still employed by the Clinton Township Police Department.