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The number of deaths of people directly related to a police pursuit grew to 416 people in 2017. This number represents a 22% rise over the number in 2013. It was also the fourth year in a row where the number of people killed in police chases increased. This number may be much higher because the National Highway Transportation Safety Board relies on police reports, which do not always mention that an accident was related to a pursuit. Because of this and because of the number of lawsuits that have been filed against local governments, many departments now have policies on when a pursuit can begin and when it must be terminated for the safety of the public.
The Chipley Paper reports on a man indicted in an Atlanta crash that killed two people and injured five more. 34-year-old Kahre Williams is facing a 35-count indictment stemming from a police pursuit on April 20th. According to authorities, Williams pulled out in front of a state patrol sergeant at around 3:40 a.m. and began driving the wrong way. When the law officer tried to pull Williams over, he executed a U-turn and ran two traffic lights before entering 75/85 southbound.
Moments later, Williams lost control of his vehicle and crashed into two vehicles on the interstate. The crash killed 51-year-old Maria Gispert and 28-year-old Juan Gispert, Jr. 64-year-old Juan Gispert, Sr., suffered from serious injuries that included two broken knees and broken facial bones. Two other passengers also suffered from broken bones in their legs and facial injuries. The passengers in the second vehicle suffered from a broken ankle and a torn Achilles’ tendon.
Williams is facing charges of felony murder, vehicular homicide in the first degree, serious injury by vehicle, hit-and-run involving death, attempting to elude, reckless driving, and DUI.
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