DeLand Officer Fired For Hitting and Killing Fleeing Suspect With Patrol Car
Officials have reported that a Deland police officer who struck and killed a fleeing suspect with his patrol car has been terminated by the DeLand Police Department.
The death, which occurred in early May, sparked an uproar in the community after a popular 38-year-old local barber was killed while fleeing police. The DeLand Police Department reports that he led police on a chase after an officer attempted to stop him for a seat belt infraction.
After a brief car chase, the man abandoned his vehicle and started to run away on foot. According to JAX.com, a DeLand officer who arrived on the scene drove his patrol car more than 100 feet off the road, ran through a backyard fence and then ran over and killed the man.
Speaking out on the firing, the DeLand Police Chief said in a prepared statement, “This is a regrettable and tragic situation for everyone involved. This decision was made in the best interests of the community, the city and the department.”
Although the Florida Highway Patrol will probably not complete a final report on the accident for another 30 days, the police chief said that certain facts that surrounded the case compelled him to take immediate action.
Meanwhile the widow of the man has filed a lawsuit against the city DeLand. She told WFTV.com that her husband didn’t deserve his fate and that she wants answers. The man’s family told WFTV that they want the officer charged with vehicular manslaughter or homicide.
Those in law enforcement are given great power — and with that great power comes a great responsibility to uphold procedures designed to protect the public. If you believe you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another party, you have the legal right to file a wrongful death lawsuit to hold those responsible for their actions.
Wrongful death litigation can be complex. That is why you should contact the wrongful death attorneys at Farah & Farah in Orange City if you have questions regarding your legal options. Call us today at (800) 533-3555 or contact us online.
