Darrell Cochran and Kevin Hastings reached a $1.25 million settlement with the City of Tacoma Police Department on behalf of an accident survivor.
A high-speed chase began when a City of Tacoma officer illegally racially profiled a driver with no probable cause of a committed felony. The officer continued the pursuit and eventually requested backup despite policy indicating that the chase should be abandoned due to the safety risks imposed on innocent lives. The chase ended in a serious accident when Plaintiff was t-boned by the eluding driver.
“Ignoring the danger that high-speed police pursuits pose to the public is not acceptable. Tacoma Police Department has admitted liability for policy violations that caused this avoidable crash, but the department must do more to make sure that officers are properly trained and that policies are enforced.”
As a result of the accident, the plaintiff sustained significant injuries. He was forced to quit his job as a heavy equipment operator and will require ongoing treatment.
Media coverage about the settlement:
The News Tribune, “Tacoma cop’s pursuit violated policy. Here’s what the city will pay injured bystander”