A fourth excessive force lawsuit has been filed against Champaign police officer Matt Rush.  The city council has already approved $320,000 in settlements in three other lawsuits filed against the officer, who's reportedly been on unpaid leave since early this month.

The three excessive force lawsuit settlements involving police officer Matt Rush total $320,000.  Concerned citizens have been calling for for Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz to file charges against Rush. Council members also may lobby with Urbana leaders for changes in the police union arbitration process.

The Champaign City Council will be asked at its Feb. 2nd meeting to approve a $70,000 settlement in a third excessive force lawsuit against police officer Matt Rush.

Champaign City Council members Tuesday approved a second excessive force lawsuit settlement involving Police Officer Matt Rush, this one for $225,000, but only after an hour of emotional public comments and a march by activists through the downtown streets, calling for Rush to step down and face criminal charges.

The die-out was organized to remind people of the injustices African Americans face in the community and in the courtroom.