Associated Press Published

W.Va. Homeless Man Settles with Charleston Over Backpack

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  A homeless man who says a Charleston policeman tossed his backpack off a bridge has agreed to a settlement in exchange for agreeing not to sue the city.

The Charleston Gazette reports that Andrew Joel Hunt settled for $1,500, according to an agreement. The newspaper said the backpack tossed into the Elk River contained a laptop and photographs of his late wife.

Patrolman Brian Lightner had been on paid leave since Sept. 9 following the August incident involving Hunt.

Chief Brent Webster says Lightner has been “separated from employment” with the Charleston Police Department.

Disorderly conduct and public intoxication charges against 26-year-old Hunt were eventually dismissed, according to city court records.