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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Lawyer: United will save evidence in dragged passenger case

In this July 8, 2015, file photo, United Airlines and United Express planes prepare to takeoff at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. (David J. Phillip / Associated Press)
Associated Press

CHICAGO – The lawyer for a man dragged off a United flight says the airline and Chicago officials have agreed to preserve evidence of the incident.

Attorney Thomas Demetrio said Saturday that the agreement means a court hearing scheduled next week isn’t taking place.

A lawsuit has not been filed, but Demetrio has indicated one is forthcoming.

He represents Dr. David Dao, a 69-year-old passenger who didn’t want to give up his seat last week on a flight from O’Hare International Airport. Demetrio has said Dao lost teeth, suffered a concussion and a broken nose as airport police employed by Chicago removed him.

Video of the incident went viral.

United has apologized and promised to review passenger-removal policies. An airline spokeswoman declined comment Saturday because of pending litigation.

A city spokesman didn’t immediately return a message.