It was a tragically high price to pay for catching a suspected car thief: two innocent teenagers dead and a police officer jailed, facing serious charges for a car crash that resulted from the pursuit.
“In my experience, I have not seen a police officer charged criminally in a police pursuit case,” said Chicago civil rights attorney Andrew Stroth, who has handled numerous lawsuits in such cases but has no ties to the Louisiana collision.
Parish District Attorney Tony Clayton said in a news release this week that he intends to ask the grand jury to consider charging Cauthron. Possible charges include negligent homicide and negligent injury. Clayton stressed that the investigation will be thorough, but he made clear that he believes the hot pursuit of suspect Tyquel Zanders, 24, was a deadly mistake.
Baton Rouge news outlets, citing arrest records, say Zanders is accused of entering a relative’s home on Saturday and making off with his father’s car before leading police on a chase across the river and into Brusly, where the crash occurred. Authorities say Zanders drove back across the river and was arrested in Baton Rouge, where he is charged with car theft, home invasion and aggravated flight.
Michael Downing, a former deputy police chief in Los Angeles, said his department adopted stronger restrictions on pursuits because of deaths, injuries and lawsuits. Strong policies are needed to temper a police officer’s natural urge to pursue a criminal suspect, he said.ADVERTISEMENT
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pelicans 119, Rockets 108: New Orleans romps to big, easy winThe Rockets played one of their worst halves of the season en route to a blowout loss in...
Read more »
New Louisiana Law Forces You to Upload ID to Watch Porn OnlineA new porn access law went into effect in Louisiana, requiring that users prove their age with a government-issued ID if they want to access adult content.
Read more »
Rookie season brings lessons, growth for Rockets' Smith, EasonFor Rockets rookies Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason, a return to New Orleans brought a...
Read more »
Rockets insider: Ejected Stephen Silas fumes at terrible startRockets insider: 'We cannot start games like this,' Stephen Silas says after New Orleans debacle
Read more »
New logo, new features, same great taste: Welcome to the new L.A. Times FoodFrom Times editors Laurie Ochoa and Daniel Hernandez: There's no better place or moment for eating and cooking than in Los Angeles right now.
Read more »
Watching online pornography in Louisiana now requires verifying one’s age with state IDA new Louisiana state law is putting teeth into the 18-and-up requirement for pornographic sites. As of the new year starting Sunday, users trying to access such sites in the state will have to verify their age with a state-issued ID.
Read more »