Man who settled suit takes plea deal in criminal case

A man who last year won a $600,000 settlement in a case alleging use of excessive force by Boynton police, has pleaded guilty to criminal charges from his encounter with officers.

Sheriff’s helicopter video led to the settlement in Byron Harris’ lawsuit, which alleged officers punched, kicked and kneed him after he led them on a chase in 2014.

Instead of allowing his criminal case to go to trial this week, Harris, 29, took a plea deal offered by prosecutors. Harris pleaded guilty to aggravated battery and fleeing and eluding, giving him a 3 prison sentence.

So-called “heat signature” video from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's helicopter showed Boynton Beach officers pursuing Harris. Police say Harris refused to pull over during a traffic stop and intentionally ran over an officer.

As police caught up with Harris, officers were seen in the footage kicking Harris several times. Harris appeared in bandages at his first court hearing.

Police say the officer who was run over, Officer Jeffrey Williams, suffered a broken spine, lost an ear, and has permanent disfigurement in his face.

City leaders approved the $600,000 settlement in November, saying they wanted to avoid a potentially larger payout had the case gone to trial.

Harris’ arrest in the Boynton case violated his probation from another county. Harris must finish his five-year sentence for the probation violation before he starts serving time for the Boynton case.