Cop's R82-million Ferrari lawsuit
2012-08-24 09:00
HOW NOT TO HANDLE A PARKING TICKET: The lesson to be learnt here? The next time a traffic cop hands you a parking ticket, just smle and take it or you could end up like Internet entrepreneur Julien Chabbott.
Earlier in August 2012, we reported on a cocky Ferrari 458 driver who ran over a New York cop's foot.
The NYPD officer was writing out a parking ticket when he accelerated and drove over the official's foot. The driver, Julien Chabbott, was dropped and cuffed in very short order – all while his reality-TV star girlfriend Stephanie Pratt looked on.
Now it seems Chabbott's woes are set to continue as the officer, Felix Recio, prepares to sue Chabbott for R82.3-million.
'NOT BEEN ABLE TO WORK'
Recio claims that Chabbott tried to run him over in his Ferrari, injuring his foot, after he gave him a parking ticket in SoHo. According to the New York Post, Recio has hired celebrity lawyer Sal Strazzullo, who’s seeking to up the charges against Chabbott from felony assault to first-degree assault with a deadly weapon... in this case a supercar.
Strazzullo said: “Chabbott clearly had no regard for Officer Recio’s life. Hitting him with his Ferrari could have caused serious injuries or death. I would like the charges adjusted to first-degree assault. I am meeting with the district attorney’s office next week to discuss bringing more serious charges.”
Recio commented, “I was left with a swollen foot and bruising. But I believe he deliberately drove towards me with an intent to hurt me. I am suing for personal injury while the criminal charges are ongoing. I have not been able to work since this happened.”
Ben Brafman, attorney for Chabbott, denies the criminal charge: “We are not aware of any civil lawsuit. Indeed, I would be shocked if a $10 million lawsuit is in fact being contemplated given the fact that we have developed information to the effect that the officer in question appears to have suffered no injury whatsoever.”
