THE MUGGER WHO SUED

The "Good Samaritan" Version

The Claim:

A San Francisco mugger won a $24,595 judgment for leg injuries when a cab driver pinned him against the wall to keep him from escaping.

The Truth:

This anecdote neglects to mention the excessive force used by the cab driver on the suspect.

After witnessing Ocie McClure rob a bystander, cabbie Holden Charles Hollom chased him in his cab. McClure, quickly winded from running from the cab, soon slowed to a walk. Hollom proceeded to pin McClure against a wall, leaving his cab in park like this for four minutes. McClure later underwent three operations on the leg, which was broken in two places. A main artery had been severed, and a muscle was torn and simply hanging from his leg. His attorney described his leg as resembling "chopped meat."

As for the damages, McClure will most likely never see a dime. Most of the damages were to go to the state, since he was treated at taxpayer expense.

Cite: Facts culled from newspaper accounts of the action.