A New London man who was shot after crashing a stolen ice truck in 2011 recently won a $2 million settlement for his injuries.

Curtis Cunningham, 32, filed a lawsuit against the City of New London and New London Police Officer Thomas Northup, who shot Cunningham in 2011. After a closed-door meeting on Tuesday, City Council unanimously consented to the proposed settlement.

In 2011, Cunningham, who was later determined to be high on PCP, stole an ice truck and led police on a pursuit through the city that ended in Cunningham flipping his vehicle.

The stunned suspect climbed on top of the overturned ice truck and Officer Northup ordered him to drop his weapon. It was later determined Cunningham was not in possession of a weapon, but that his shirt gave the illusion he was.

Officer Northup shot Cunningham four times. One of the rounds lodged into Cunningham’s spine and he is now paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair.

Cunningham later hired attorney Joel Faxon and filed a lawsuit for excessive force, which he recently settled.

“He is ready to move forward with his life… which is one reason he agreed to a settlement,” said Faxon. “He’s disabled but hopeful to make the most of what he has to build a business.”

(This article was submitted by freelance writer Brent Rogers)