January 31, 2011 in City

Pedestrian dies after being hit by police car

Tags:fatal crashpedestriansSpokane Police Department

Authorities say a police officer en route to a trouble call struck and fatally injured a pedestrian in Spokane late Sunday night.

Sgt. David Reagan, a spokesman with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department, says the crash occurred at Monroe Street and Montgomery Avenue as the officer, who was southbound, was responding to a trouble call on West Spofford Avenue. The officer was in a patrol car, but it was not clear if his emergency lights were flashing.

The officer and others performed first aid until paramedics arrived. The pedestrian was taken to a Spokane hospital, where he died early Monday morning.

Reagan said a Spokane Regional Investigative Response Team comprised of several law enforcement agencies is investigating the fatal crash.

The names of the victim and the officer were not released.

Monroe was closed for hours during an investigation of the collision, and a law enforcement mobile command center was sent to the scene.

Police had been to the same home about 8:30 p.m. on a call but no one came to the door. The second call at 10 p.m. came after a the caller reported hearing a woman yell, “Get off of me.”

Detectives are asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertise Here

100 comments on this story. Comments are now closed.

Liberty_Bell on January 31 at 5:51 a.m.
Negligant Driving!
Watch Steve Tucker in action on this one too!
SpokyDaBear on January 31 at 6:51 a.m.
He thought the pedestrian was going to kill him and he was fearful for his life. Time for the officer to go take a trip to Las Vegas so he can work out his story.
lewis8457 on January 31 at 6:58 a.m.
If they aren’t shooting someone they are hitting them with their car. i wonder if there were any witnesses this time?
I would bet the lights were not on otherwise the deceased would have had to be deaf and blind. i am sure he was depressed so the SPD will tell us they did us all a favor.
What was the call the cop was running to fresh chocolate eclairs at Rosauers?
My heart goes out to the family of the latest victim.
dumfolks on January 31 at 7:14 a.m.
Once we get their guns taken away we can start focusing on their cars too. Pretty soon it will be criminals with guns and officers with bikes and nerf toys to protect and serve. You guys are too much.
Bob_Knows on January 31 at 7:16 a.m.
Another day, another Spokane man killed by the blue shirt gangbangers. These are the killers who the lying media always calls “Public Safety.” How many dead men will it take before Spokane wakes up and runs the lot of them out of town on a rail?
The killer will get rewarded with a bonus 2 week paid vacation for killing a “civilian.” One question is left though. Does killing a “civilian” with a car count toward making “ACE Pig?” Or, do they only count killing with clubs and guns?
Homebuilder on January 31 at 7:24 a.m.
I hope they file lots of charges against that car. Just like we file charges against officers’ guns.
“Police officer’s gun fatally injures person.”
berrybestfarm on January 31 at 7:34 a.m.
Obviously we don’t have the facts to make judgments—at least not yet. This is the backlash generated when administrators don’t take the egregious behavior by the bad apples seriously.
PhiltheBibliophil on January 31 at 7:51 a.m.
Last week it was only fearing for your life if you were involved in a direct confrontation with our Gestapo. Now everytime you even see a Policeman or one of their vehicles you have to fear for your life! I think its all a test case here in Spokane for the coming Revolution to see how citizens react. Will they actually stand up and demand change, or will they just “go” quietly or violently into the Night?
indysk8er19 on January 31 at 8:05 a.m.
Really? Why is this headlined as “Police Officer’s Car Fatally Injures Pedestrian”? If the person driving the car had been some average Joe the title would have read “Spokane driver fatally injures pedestrian” and shortly after “Spokane driver to be charged with involuntary manslaughter” or something along those lines. Lets not sugar coat something just because this was a police officer.
hawken on January 31 at 8:12 a.m.
We can always count on pejorative, knee jerk, posts to articles such as this which lack critical information to make an informed judgment.
Granted, the police/community relationship is dismal in this county. In large part the responsibility of law enforcement. However, there is a “due” process protocol that law enforcement must follow as a part of the investigation. There are questions that must be answered. Such as:
* What was the nature of the “trouble call?” Shooting, shop lifting, domestic violence, barking dog, etc??? The degree of urgency to the trouble call has bearing on the way the officer operated the vehicle in response.
* How fast was the officer driving? Even the most urgent of calls does not justify the operation of an emergency vehicle in such a way that endangers life or property.
* Where emergency vehicle lights and siren in operation? (as noted in the article). Even with lights and siren on, the driver of an emergency vehicle is responsible to operate the vehicle in a way that does not endanger life or property.
* Was the pedestrian in a crosswalk or jaywalking on a dark street? Reportedly (KXLY), this occurred about 10pm last night.
* Were other officers already at the scene of the trouble call?
______________________________________
RCW 46.61.035
Authorized emergency vehicles.
(1) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm, may exercise the privileges set forth in this section, but subject to the conditions herein stated.
(2) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:
(a) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter;
(b) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation;
(c) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he or she does not endanger life or property;
(d) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
(3) The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle is making use of visual signals meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.190, except that: (a) An authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from in front of the vehicle; (b) authorized emergency vehicles shall use audible signals when necessary to warn others of the emergency nature of the situation but in no case shall they be required to use audible signals while parked or standing.
(4) The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others.
_________________________________________
You will notice above, that simply because the emergency equipment was operable, it does not remove the responsibility of the operator from being “reckless” or to “endanger life or property.” See paragraph (4) above.
If the facts establish negligence on the part of the officer, he/she should be charged with vehicular homicide, like anyone else.
Meanwhile, the officer should presumed innocent until proved otherwise.
misjustice on January 31 at 8:15 a.m.
Unfortunately, tragic accidents happen; and that is what this is, a tragic accident. However, when there seems to be little to no accountability for OISs, questionable uses of force, and other perceived “wrongs” committed by LEOs, I can fully understand why the above comments are held by members of the community.
Condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
Additionally, I feel bad for the officer. I’m not entirely familiar with the area of the accident but what I do recall is that area is poorly lit.
A sad situation, all the way around.
Ninch on January 31 at 8:32 a.m.
FACT: Crossing a street outside a crosswalk is only “jaywalking” when the intersection at each end of the block has a traffic signal.
READER27 on January 31 at 8:37 a.m.
I live near Garland and Monroe. Last night about 10pm I saw a cruiser go by with only flashers on…shortly after another police car with lights and sirens…in that neighborhood there can be a LOT of foot traffic….everyone including Police need to be aware of that. Also people do cross at night without using crosswalks or following signals but traffic is usually very light at that time of night on a Sunday. If the poor man crossing the street didn’t use a crosswalk or signal I think they would both be to blame. However many, many times I see Police cars speeding with only lights on or sometimes nothing…I think if they are going very fast BOTH sirens and lights should be on at all times!!
crossfire on January 31 at 8:41 a.m.
I know this area well. My work takes me around this area on a daily basis. It’s poorly lit at night. There are 3 bars in proximity of where the accident took place. There is moderate foot traffic in the area at most hours. From the picture I saw the man was struck right in front of the bar at Monroe + Montgomery. When turning from Montgomery onto Monroe at that intersection there’s always a very dangerous blind spot because of the parking situation. That part of the street is narrow to begin with and to make it worse cars are allowed to park on Monroe right up to the intersection. It’s really hard to cross that intersection in a car due to the blind spots much less on foot. It would be very hard to see someone starting to cross there at night. Especially if they are dressed in all black as was reported.
As to the way SPD drives and responds to calls. That’s why they made sure to include in the article that the officer was on his way to a call. This gives them an automatic way to claim no liability. There’s lots of reasons not to turn on your lights or sirens from what I gather. If the LEO had already been to that house and got no reply then they may have wanted the element of surpirse in this call. They rarely turn on lights and sirens in a suspicion of DV call anyway.
This is an accident that was waiting to happen basically. There’s obviously not going to be an improvment in community relations with our Police Departments until they respect the people’s wishes and give in to more oversight. Shame on the Chief and Mayor for letting this go on so long.
lewis8457 on January 31 at 8:47 a.m.
I live right on Monroe South of Wellesley i saw two police cars with lights on going south pass my house a 50+mph, about 10pm or so, outside lane. This area is not lit well enough either for speeds like that.
Just shows the disregard for safety our safety officers actually have.
merbob on January 31 at 8:50 a.m.
I work late at night, sometimes on Monroe…I see cops all the time racing up or down Monroe, no lights, pedal to the metal…I’ve often thought of filing a complaint, but I know it wouldn’t do any good…turn your lights on guys….or is it always a call you are racing to?? Sometimes I wonder if you just like rapping out taxpayer paid automobiles, it’s fun, isn’t it?
crossfire on January 31 at 8:53 a.m.
I agree with you Lewis. I think there is a huge problem with disregard. There’s more testosterone and attitude from people with power in this town than I have seen anywhere I have lived.
Coffee on January 31 at 8:54 a.m.
Here the only fact I know. You are more likely to be kill by a local LEO than a Criminal at this time in Spokane.
Bruce (aka thatoneguy) on January 31 at 9:00 a.m.
How awful.
I work downtown and live on the north side, so I drive Maple or Monroe after dark regularly. I’m familiar with the area. It is VERY poorly lit between NW Blvd. and the big hill. That is, there are street lights, but for some reason it’s harder to see pedestrians in the road at night there than it is in other parts of town. It seems like an awful lot of the pedestrian accidents we read about happen on this stretch of road.
Two things that people need to be aware of when they are pedestrians:
1) It’s hard to gauge the speed of a vehicle that’s coming directly at you since it’s not crossing your field of vision.
2) Car headlights do not illuminate the road all that well. They seem blindingly bright when you’re on foot, but the driver can probably barely see you, if at all.
And a couple things for drivers:
3) Drivers are usually not aware of this. To us it looks like the road is clear.
4) It’s easy to cover half a block in the time it takes to glance down at the radio. We’ve all done this: you look up, the road is clear for several blocks, you look down at the radio or check over your shoulder for a lane change, and when you look back up there’s a senior citizen in a 1975 Oldsmobile pulling v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y out of a parking lot driveway. (Or some 17-year-old in a Honda Civic with extra chrome who thinks he can get across the road before you hit him — and after all, avoiding a crash by 1/4 second is just as good as a minute, right?)
I’m not AT ALL trying to say this guy deserved to get hit… just trying to say that it’s dangerous out there and ALL of us should remember that.
lewis8457 on January 31 at 9:04 a.m.
Chris Rock said we should make bullets five thousand dollars each. So criminals cant afford them. SPD has done that up better they use 80,000 grand plus police cars because they are reusable.
The potholes in this city are so bad a cop driving too fast could hit one and veer off into oncoming or pedestrian traffic. Go to the intersection of Garland and Monroe and look at the potholes in the outside lane headed south. Those two cop cars hit those at 50+ and blow a tire? Look out!
SpokyDaBear on January 31 at 9:09 a.m.
Funny, they are asking the public if anyone saw anything. Umm, wasn’t there a police officer driving that car or was it driving itself? Where is the story from the police officer? Are we still waiting for his Vegas trip?
They are only asking the public to see if anybody saw anything, so if nobody turns up they can make up a story about a reckless jaywalker who decided not to move out of the way of a law abiding police officer.
Watch for an old mug shot to show up for the poor guy that was killed or any other bad story about him.
Steve Sucker is already helping the police out to make up a nice story, so that they can get away with murder, yet again.
Ron_the_Cop on January 31 at 9:12 a.m.
DITTO - Hawkin and Justy!
polly on January 31 at 9:24 a.m.
I live in a heavily pedestrian neighborhood and there have been several occasions where I’ve come close to hitting people. The lighting is dim and the people are usually wearing dark clothing. Pedestrians need to keep in mind that while they may have the right of way, at night, they need to be extra cautious because it’s really hard to see them.
opiemuyo on January 31 at 9:26 a.m.
All these nasty hate filled comments towards the police, and every last one of you if some one broke into your house you would want one there to protect you. This is an interesting thought eh?
Bruce (aka thatoneguy) on January 31 at 9:31 a.m.
Steve - I had noticed that too… it’s pretty knee-jerky, but it does speak to the state of relations between the public and the SPD at the moment.
Not sure how a police dept. goes about rehabilitating its image. It’s a problem that a lot of cities/PD’s have.
lisac on January 31 at 9:32 a.m.
I am praying for the officer, his/her family and the family of the man killed. What a terrible accident. I am saddened to see how bitter the responses are on this post. One man is dead, and another’s life will always be altered. Just because these men and wormen pin on a badge, it does not make them unable to feel. They give up a lot to serve our communities - they risk everything. It is a tragedy for all involved. Praying.
Bruce (aka thatoneguy) on January 31 at 9:33 a.m.
P.S. at least they’re asking witnesses to come forward. That’s something, anyway.
SpokyDaBear on January 31 at 9:36 a.m.
@Steve… first, I don’t live in a poor neighborhood, and second, what is the police going to do after someone breaks in my house and steals stuff, all that CSI crime investigation stuff?
No, Steve, not in the real world.
Get a clue, you wacko loser.
You watch too much Law and Order. It doesn’t work that way in the real world.
Why don’t you get a job, get off unemployment and quit sponging off your parents for free rent?
homers on January 31 at 9:40 a.m.
It is easy to be a Monday-morning quarterback….. you have no facts to go on and obviously a very closed mind — you don’t need any facts do you? You just KNOW the police were (and always will be, in your mind) in the wrong. How many of you have driven around town late at night? Have you by chance noticed how dim (to nonexistent) the lighting is on most Spokane streets? Especially if the pavement (i.e. pothole-land) is wet? Have you noticed that the street striping is missing or not-reflectorized? Are any of you capable of any degree of rational analysis before jumping to the conclusion that, no matter what the circumstances may have been, the SPD was in the wrong?
SpokyDaBear on January 31 at 9:41 a.m.
@lisac. Nobody asked them to risk their life. This ain’t Russian, people can choose their own jobs.
Police in this town have a free reign to do whatever they want.
Ozzie the Clown and Steve Sucker let the boys in blue get away with murder.
Obviously, this bad boy copper was going too fast for the conditions and driving in a reckless manner.
He did not have his lights or his siren on. He is completely at fault and should pay for murder. But it will never happen.
eagleproducer on January 31 at 9:41 a.m.
I’d love to know if officers involved in driving fatalities are subject to the implied consent law of Washington and are body fluids tested for substances?
Steroids are illegal and can cause people to make poor decisions, especially while under stress. I think any citizen who struck and killed another citizen with their vehicle would be at least asked to provide a blood sample. I know you don’t have to provide a sample, but you lose your license for life. I think the public would have a lot more trust in police officers if they were to provide bodily fluids voluntarily after such incidences.
After all, they’ve nothing to hide, right?
SpokyDaBear on January 31 at 9:44 a.m.
@homers… if you cannot clearly see the road, then you must slow down. Otherwise it is considered “reckless driving” or “driving too fast for the conditions.”
Even a copper knows that, but he didn’t care, because they know they can get away with anything.
babybunny on January 31 at 9:45 a.m.
Homebuilder you hit the nail on the head. (no pun intended) A truly stupid title for this article. A sad incident for everyone involved, this situation comes at an unfortunate time for Spokane Police with regards to community confidence in the department.
Thanks for the helpful information hawken. Personally would like to know if the man was intoxicated as well. While these questions we bring up are notable, really the only instance I see that may take some or all legal fault away from the officer is if the man was jaywalking. Need more info, but in other states if the victim of a similar situation was jaywalking sometimes the charge on the driver was taken from vehicular manslaughter down to “driving without due care and attention”, which essentially cuts the blame to 50/50, or the entire fault has been put on the victim. Though we are talking about an officer of the law, if the victim was crossing legally at crosswalk or intersection I don’t believe any other circumstances (area was dark, had on lights and sirens, urgent call) should legally “excuse” the officer from any fault.
I truly hope for all of our sakes, the spokane police department takes some time to take a step back and consider all the unnecessary tragedies that have been occurring at their hand, and makes some needed changes in the department.
eagleproducer on January 31 at 9:45 a.m.
I meant at least a year, not life… ooops.
Can anyone familiar with the Guild’s contract inform the public about the policy of drug testing officers? Is their a pre-employment screening? Are there random tests conducted periodically. Is there a provision where officers involved in certain types of incidents are required to provide body fluid samples or face termination?
wildwulf on January 31 at 9:48 a.m.
I had the police at my house one day taking prints, when I mentioned that the officers I have seen were driving way too fast out on Monroe. He came back with “ya they are just adrenilin junkies and young” I told him that if someone stepped out they (the police) will never stop in time . All he could do was shake his head….he knew it was true…..vehicular homicide the officer is guilty..watched them drive around here and have no sympathy if he is found guilty
John_Fever_Richmond on January 31 at 9:49 a.m.
S U I C I D E V I A C O P C A R is the next tale to be spun by the SPD here folks. Just wait and see I’m tellin’ ya!!! Sure he was on a call - likely story, like we didn’t see that one coming!!! Get used to it fellow Spokanites, I’m sure
EVERYONE
who lives in Spokane
KNOWS that
LEOS are superhuman and thus are not capable of
MAKING A MISTAKE!!!
Additionally, we all know no officer would ever
LIE AND BLAME THE INNOCENT DECEASED VICTIM!!! Unfortunately that’s the way cops in this city work … . . so until we get off of our arses and
DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT we might as well get used to it right?
TAKE A LOOK
AT THE WHOLE
PICTURE HERE FOLKS!!!
READ BETWEEN THE LINES!!!
eagleproducer on January 31 at 10:07 a.m.
While the public awaits the blood tests from the driver…
Knowing the SPD they’ll probably test the car instead.
homers on January 31 at 10:07 a.m.
well, that just proves my point….SpokyDaBear KNOWS the officer was driving fast!!!
tell me, pal, from the info given in this story, how do you KNOW that??
valleyman on January 31 at 10:08 a.m.
Good grief… It’s the same group of 5 or so people claiming to speak on behalf of ALL SPOKANE COUNTY RESIDENTS!
You select group of elite mind readers… You could serve us all by going and opening small businesses to help read the minds of all police officers to determine the intent and malice in their minds and hearts… At least then we could get a public service from the tax dollars you’d generate, rather than have to sit here and read your mindless, factually-deficient dribble…
valleyman on January 31 at 10:10 a.m.
homers:
Spoky is a mind reader like Lewis and Phil… They know all and see all and yet instead of profiting from their clairvoyance, they decide to get on here and regale us with their tales of truth and justice…
Excuse, me… I feel the need to go and throw up now…
eagleproducer on January 31 at 10:11 a.m.
Go look at the SPD’s rate of clearing/solving property crimes.
They couldn’t catch a venereal disease in a Haitian Brothel.
I think people would be surprised to know how few of them actually live within city limits. Suncrest, in Stevens County, is filled with SPD and SFD members.
SpokyDaBear on January 31 at 10:11 a.m.
@homers.. because he did not stop in time… ergo, driving too fast for the conditions.. you dimwit!
detroitdude on January 31 at 10:13 a.m.
This was an unfortunate accident. We don’t have all the facts and we probably won’t. However, the knee jerk responses show how apathetic citizens are with the police force here.
That being said, people should really save the cop bashing comments for when there is something legitimate reported. It was dark, and this could happen to any pedestrian and any normal motorist as well. As stated above, the officer will have to live with this for the rest of their life.
Now, if we find out the officer was drunk or not following protocal….
crossfire on January 31 at 10:14 a.m.
@Steve
“All these nasty hate filled comments towards the police, and every last one of you if some one broke into your house you would want one there to protect you. This is an interesting thought eh?”
Steve, if someone broke into my house, they would want the cops there to protect THEM !!
eagleproducer on January 31 at 10:16 a.m.
valleyman: While you choke on that bile, consider this: Humans learn mainly through experience and interaction with their environment. The recent experiences of citizens of Spokane in regards to their police department should have left them suspicious, curious, angered and confused. The posts on this and other threads reflect that reality.
Perception is reality and the sooner you and the “cops never fail” crowd learn that the better.
SpokyDaBear on January 31 at 10:16 a.m.
@detroitdude.. look, if it was dark and poorly lit, then a driver needs to slow down so that he won’t hit anyone… just common sense 101… or did you flunk that class too in junior high?
addyh on January 31 at 10:23 a.m.
This thread is getting pretty heated - please re-read the forum standards, especially the first sentence: “Please keep it civil.”
thanks,
Addy Hatch, city editor
Artworks on January 31 at 10:25 a.m.
I’m not sure any of the comments here are smart!! Too many folks in this town wear black while their walking around out there. As for the comments about the police and their having to shoot, out of control persons over the last few weeks. If anyone is out of control it’s the civilian population in Spokane “men mostly”. Clearly put if anyone becomes an appearent threat to harm others and fails to comply with simple rational commands being shot is a hard reality.
This is a sad accident and the folks who are involved in the DV call could be implicated as well. Warning the folks who say bad things about police are Felons and habitual in many aspects of their lives!! Deal with that on your minds.
wildwulf on January 31 at 10:25 a.m.
@ Steve …If someone breaks into my house I will not be calling anyone….I will shoot the dummy then feed the animals in the woods…he will not be stealing again…any ???
hunternomore on January 31 at 10:32 a.m.
Hawken—LOL—the “pejorative” comments are probably because people no longer believe that they are safe around the police in WA state. This just might come from the number of police shootings/cars hitting pedestrians, etc. As for “innocent until proven guilty” that is exactly the problem. When police kill people while they are “investigating”, they take on the role of judge, instead of waiting for the “jury” to prove them guilty. That could account for all of the “pejorative” comments.
John_Fever_Richmond on January 31 at 10:32 a.m.
@ Crossfire - So true!
@ Valleyman - Great idea to have those entrepreneurial readers to open their own businesses! They would be quite successful in this town! I only see one mistake with your post though … . . you should have put small a few words later - like in front of minds!!!
The cops are asking for any other witnesses:
Many of you might think this is so they can get a 3rd party account or an independent witness’ statement as to have a complete and thorough investigation.
WRONG ANSWER!
Remember Lt. Jim Nick’s erroneous account of the Otto Zehm incident? Without that video Otto would have been vilified and his MURDER would have been justified!!!
I’m asking anyone who may have witnessed this event or may have surveillance video to please, PLEASE WAIT TO COME FORWARD!
Let the LEO’s spin doctors spit their lies out to the public before they realize there’s contradictory evidence out there!!!
Just give them enough rope to hang themselves as my late father used to say!!!
de3 on January 31 at 10:39 a.m.
“Police officer’s car fatally injures pedestrian” - is this a new robo car?
I didn’t know we had police cars in town that drove themselves. The pedestrian was likely threatening the car when this occurred.
SpokyDaBear on January 31 at 10:44 a.m.
@Addy… people are upset because they have had it with the Spokane Police Fraternity and their total disregard for the public.
They are also upset with their local press that fails yet again to investigate and expose a totally corrupt police department.
The stories are out there and now it the time for the Press to take a stand.
Alfredo on January 31 at 10:44 a.m.
“wildwulf on January 31 at 10:25 a.m.
@ Steve …If someone breaks into my house I will not be calling anyone….I will shoot the dummy then feed the animals in the woods…he will not be stealing again…any ???”
You do understand that you could very well be guilty of murder, correct? Having a gun or a right to own a gun does not give you the legal ability to discharge it as you please at anyone, even if they have broken into your home. In order to take someone’s life and claim justifiable homicide, you need to be able to show that you or your family were in legitimate fear of bodily harm.
While I do not condone any criminal activity, I certainly do not condone “Dirty Harry” style attitudes that imply manslaughter of someone for perhaps simple theft or robbery (non-aggravated).
Having made a public statement that you would kill someone for breaking into your home (without indicating fear of your or your family’s life), a case could possibly be made for First Degree Murder, although I’m not an attorney.
I just think the macho bravado going on in terms of gun usage is a little over the top these days. If you own a firearm, you should be of sound mind, level head and use judgment when making statements about the discharging of your firearm(s), otherwise you’re no better than the officers for whom you seem to have utter contempt of.
Alfredo on January 31 at 10:47 a.m.
“SpokyDaBear on January 31 at 10:44 a.m.
@Addy… people are upset because they have had it with the Spokane Police Fraternity and their total disregard for the public.
They are also upset with their local press that fails yet again to investigate and expose a totally corrupt police department.
The stories are out there and now it the time for the Press to take a stand.”
People are upset because you’re not behaving like a level-headed adult. There are no facts that have been released by the police as of this time, no eyewitness accounts have been released, no real details at all have been released yet you’ve convicted this officer of murder and you have shouted down everyone in this topic that disagrees with your attitude.
saveyourtatas on January 31 at 10:48 a.m.
Good Job Addy Hatch,
-
I think this thread is somewhat of a litmus test for Spokane rage at police. Obviously, this police officer (or his car) did not want to harm anyone. This might be like mob mentality thru blogging. Maybe it is communal venting and projection. We are all upset about Otto Zehm {CREACH} and others (Dodd, Yohe, Shonto)…The list is quite long. I think ValleyMan makes an intersting point. I am not a fan of cops who kill mentally ill people out of bad training and lack of tools (both mental and physical)…But we should all keep in mind the fact that a police officer, trying to respond quickly to save your life…on a dark street…bad things can happen. This might have been a perfect storm of unfortunate circumstance. Unless the driver was Karl Thompson, this was a tragic accident. However, I see nothing wrong with an immediate test for alcohol or steroids. Cops should not be above the law. They should be investigated just like a normal citizen. Except, there should be a seperate mechanism. Police have a tendency to forgive fellow cops and cannot be objective. All questions of police should be investigated by outsiders and non-police. Retired judges or forensic experts. BUT NOT COPS.
Just my opinion, yours might differ. (“Opinions Vary”) swayze
Cheezwhiz on January 31 at 11:01 a.m.
My thoughts are that this was an unfortunate accident. It’s hard for me to get riled up about this, other than the cop should have to suffer the consequences that anyone else would. The cop was clearly in violation of the law, as shown in the RCW’s that Hawken posted. It’s not like the obvious police murders or excessive force that have occurred.
If this cop isn’t charged with Vehicular Homicide, Reckless Driving, or any other charge, then I will be riled up. 3 to 10 years in the pen, just like anyone else.
If the police start questioning the character of the deceased man, to justify this, that will rile me too. Shouldn’t matter in the least. The only thing that matters in that he was hit by a cop car and he died.
Obviously the cop was driving pretty fast, or the man wouldn’t have died. If it is shown that the call he was responding to, was diffused before this accident, then I will be riled.
If the cop doesn’t get a blood test for illegal substances or other toxins, I will be riled.
SpokyDaBear on January 31 at 11:10 a.m.
@Alfredo,
Don’t you remember that police stunt a couple of years ago when a couple of cops in an unmarked police went speeding downtown and ended upchased by a police car.
They went so far as to lay spike strips to stop the unmarked police car.
Who got in trouble for this? Nobody.
Ozzie basically said boys will be boys with their toys.
What makes you think things are different now?
valleyman on January 31 at 11:18 a.m.
When responding to a call for service in fulfillment of their duties, a police officer may violate most traffic regulations as per RCW 46.61.035…
This may be instructive to many of you…
Alfredo on January 31 at 11:18 a.m.
You people must all be reading a different article than the one posted above.
Nowhere does it state that the officer definitely did not have his emergency lights activated.
Nowhere does it state that the officer was driving in excess of 50 MPH.
Nowhere does it state that the officer was driving recklessly or erratically.
Let’s play the “what if game.”
What if the officer hit this person while traveling at a speed of 35 MPH? Can this cause a fatality? YES.
What if the pedestrian was wearing dark clothing and entered the lanes of traffic from a blind area such as from between two parked cars?
What if the officer had lights and sirens activated and the pedestrian wasn’t paying attention before entering the street?
Trust me, I’m not a huge fan of playing the “what if game,” especially if I feel forced to possibly vilify the victim without any evidence but since the vast majority of you are screaming for this officer’s life to be ruined over something that none of us were witnesses to and virtually no real details have been released, I have no choice but to play along and play the “what if game” since you’ve vilified the officer without any shred of evidence.
I’m not the biggest cheerleader when it comes to the SPD and most particularly the way they’ve done nothing to learn from past mistakes (or cover-ups) and have done a less than stellar job of convincing the citizens of Spokane that they have integrity and deserve our respect. But I refuse to act as many of you have here today and condemn this officer without any shred of evidence other than to yet again blame the police for anything.
Alfredo on January 31 at 11:21 a.m.
@SpokyDaBear, I do not recall that incident, perhaps it was prior to when I moved here three years ago.
What I do know is that if what you’re telling me is true, there is evidence in that case and it should have been resolved. The difference is we have no solid information about this incident yet and many people here are ready to make the decision that this officer is guilty.
If the officer is at fault, I’ll be the first one to demand justice be served but at this point, none of us can really do that.
de3 on January 31 at 11:29 a.m.
Here’s the law on emergency vehicle operations
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.61.035
RCW 46.61.035
Authorized emergency vehicles.
(1) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm, may exercise the privileges set forth in this section, but subject to the conditions herein stated.
(2) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:
(a) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter;
(b) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation;
(c) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he or she does not endanger life or property;
(d) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
(3) The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle is making use of visual signals meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.190, except that: (a) An authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from in front of the vehicle; (b) authorized emergency vehicles shall use audible signals when necessary to warn others of the emergency nature of the situation but in no case shall they be required to use audible signals while parked or standing.
(4) The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others.
Cheezwhiz on January 31 at 11:33 a.m.
Valleymen missed the parts that say “safe, endanger, reckless, due regard, safety, and consequences.”
Hcklbery on January 31 at 11:39 a.m.
I had a similar incident once running code and hit some black ice which left me in the median.
Could happen to anyone running emergency, Gratefully NO-ONE was in MY path but there could of been. It is the nature of the business when you run risks close to the edge. Training and good judgement helps keeps things on the “desired outcome” side of the gauntlet but unfortunately it nonetheless is a very risky business both for the officer and those he strives to serve.
I give the benefit of the doubt here cause I don’t know the officer nor his training or experience record, AND it was cold last night.
valleyman on January 31 at 11:39 a.m.
Didn’t miss anything cheezie… Just posted the link for ya’ll to see so we could end the speculative posting on what’s legal and what’s not…
I don’t presume to have the evidence or know the facts of this case… I prefer to let the professionals do the investigating…
valleyman on January 31 at 11:42 a.m.
Alfredo… If you continue to post such reasoned and thoughtful posts as you have from above, I may be forced to conclude you are more reasonable than I’d thought.
Thanks for keeping it real today… and I am being serious here.
misjustice on January 31 at 11:48 a.m.
****They are only asking the public to see if anybody saw anything, so if nobody turns up they can make up a story about a reckless jaywalker who decided not to move out of the way of a law abiding police officer.********
I believe the article says: “…The officer……… and others ……. performed first aid until paramedics arrived.” Makes me believe there were other witnesses to the accident; and that is what is was, an accident.
Also, I too, happened to be at Division & Garland last night at approximately 10 pm when 2 police cars with lights, but no sirens, were traveling NORTH at a high rate of speed. So lewis being at Wellesley & Monroe (***lewis on January 31 at 8:47 a.m. I live right on Monroe South of Wellesley i saw two police cars with lights on going south pass my house a 50+mph, about 10pm or so, outside lane.****) seeing officers traveling SOUTH at that same time? Sounds to me like there was something serious happening. I highly doubt the cars were headed to the Montgomery & Monroe accident because that happened at 8:30 pm.
Thank you valleyman for making some sense of what is happening with the comments on these articles. It’s ALWAYS the same 5 (or so) people wanting the arrest of the officers. No matter how they respond to a call. To them the officers will always be the ones in the wrong. Makes me wonder how many times they’ve had run-ins with them? HUMMMM It’s never an objective opinion.
Cheezwhiz on January 31 at 12:05 p.m.
Gramma, having an objective opinion means that you take all of the facts from all angles, and then form and opinion from all of that information. That’s my definition, anyway. Have you ever had an objective opinion? Have you ever thought the police did anything wrong? If so, I haven’t seen that side of you. I am objective, in that I called this and unfortunate accident. Good example of “Objective opinion.” You, on the other hand have never had one, and always state that the victim is at fault.
de3 on January 31 at 12:05 p.m.
Gramma - the call was indeed at 10 pm (re-read the story) and you likely witnessed two police cars responding to that scene with lights but no sirens.
You have provided a likely independent witness that there were no sirens and the cars were traveling at a high rate of speed.
mariecanyonkeg on January 31 at 12:05 p.m.
it was an accident.same thing happend to my sister in nj,she was all in black and got hit by a cop she died,it was an accident.stuff happens.
Cheezwhiz on January 31 at 12:07 p.m.
Valleyman, that’s not a link. You just took one small sentence out of the RCW, to fit your needs.
SpokyDaBear on January 31 at 12:19 p.m.
Spokane has exactly the police force they want, because the city as a whole has very little expectations for government service.
These people get away with so much because so many good people choose instead to remain silent.
People like Alredo top the list.
misjustice on January 31 at 12:28 p.m.
*****Gramma - the call was indeed at 10 pm (re-read the story) and you likely witnessed two police cars responding to that scene with lights but no sirens.****
First. Yes, you are right. I misread the time. The accident was a 10 pm. I apologize.
****You have provided a likely independent witness that there were no sirens and the cars were traveling at a high rate of speed.*****
Second: No, you misread my statement. I said the officers were traveling NORTH, not south nor west where Monroe Street & Montgomery Avenue intersect. The officers I saw were going in the opposite direction & were near Northtown Mall when we crossed the intersection of Division & Garland. (Be it known….the officers had the green light & we had the red one. We were sitting on Garland going west.) These officers did nothing wrong.
Third: Yes, I will usually take the side of the law enforcement until I have reason to believe otherwise. Then I say enforce the punishment just as you would any other person. But, you have to prove to me they were in the wrong……….
Kivaari on January 31 at 12:28 p.m.
Well, We see the same hate filled crowd of 6 people has already come to a guilty verdict. First off not enough details are shown in the article. There is no such thing as an accident in the traffic safety community. This was a vehicle v. pedestrian collision. We, those that care, will need to know several bits before a reasonable determination can be made.
Such as, Time of day; speed of vehicle, emergency equipment (operating or not, lights only or lights and siren); was the victim in dark clothing; was the pedestrian in a crosswalk; was a traffic signal in operation; was the patrol car going with the light; was the pedestrian going with the light; and much more. This is not a defense of the officer. But those are basic issues the police will need in any similar situation. Pure speculation on my part, but I suspect the officer was running without lights and siren, I suspect he was speeding, I suspect the pedestrian was disregarding the traffic controls (late, tavern area, it just would be common to see). Speculation, I think the blame will be shared. I suspect a civil suit will be filed against the department and the officer. What would the outcome be, who knows. I’ve seen similar cases with private individuals where once the judge heard the issue of dark clothing and against good common sense dismissed the case. This is going to be one more issue the usual suspects will use to just show how out of control the police are. All I can say is what if you were driving? Would you want a fair investigation? Is it reasonable for the investigation to be complete before jumping on the hate the cops bandwagon? Once more a no win situation for anyone, except perhaps the decedents family. I would agree that too many cops (I don’t know this case) drive way too fast. Many disregard common sense rules and trust their emergency equipment to warn others, and those people will respond to you. The gear is only asking for a right-of- way, even though by law they are demanding right-of-way. Cops are trained to never think the other guy sees or hears you.
I would frustrate young officers because I would go slower and more cautiously then they would. But I’ve seen too many police and fire rig collisions where both the emergency person driving the rig and the other party were both wrong. All too common.
Lewis this will be resolved using the system in place. It’s not nice to see how many obnoxious people rise to the top of the septic tank when things go wrong.
Thoreau on January 31 at 12:44 p.m.
lewis: “If they aren’t shooting someone they are hitting them with their car. i wonder if there were any witnesses this time?”
Define “they.” Cops? All cops? Making generalizations as usual.
“What was the call the cop was running to fresh chocolate eclairs at Rosauers?”
Perpetuating stereotypes, as usual.
These incidents involving police are disturbing, but address each case specifically. You’re only exacerbating the situation.
SpokaneLiberal on January 31 at 12:49 p.m.
If the police had not burned so many bridges with the public then this would be a tragic accident.
Now it is more than that. It is a symbol of ineptitude, disregard, double standards, and a breakdown of actual law and order.
zelda on January 31 at 12:55 p.m.
I don’t see anything about this that warrants the vitriolic tone of most of the comments. At this point it appears to be a very unfortunate accident.
Kivaari on January 31 at 12:57 p.m.
The small number of anti-cop bloggers visiting these stories are at least consistent. They hate cops. To them all cops are bad. Cops can’t investigate cops, but they never say who should. Every “rogue cop” case they respond to is never given time to be investigate before the Lewis-types scream murder. When facts get in the way of the truth, it is just ignored because it is more fun for the Lewisisms to keep flowing. This article doesn’t have enough information to do anything more then speculate. It is likely that the officer was in error. It is also likely that the pedestrian was in error. Wouldn’t it be nice to let the WSP do an investigation before we hang the cop?
eagleproducer on January 31 at 1:03 p.m.
kivarari: Thanks for NOT answering my question about mandatory blood screening for officers following such incidents.
SpokyDaBear on January 31 at 1:27 p.m.
@kivaari
I can see your point and it makes sense, given that you have lived in one place your entire life and know absolutely nothing of the ways of the world.
Psssst, want to buy a Brookelynn Bridge?
saveyourtatas on January 31 at 1:28 p.m.
KIV,
-
Cops should not investigate other cops.
It can and should be handled by former judges or forensic experts. We both know that police have a “brotherhood”. I was not screaming above. Lewis maybe, but not me. All evidence indicates a tragic accident. What you fail to address is the fact that there is a cascading problem in Spokane. It is not a few cases. It is now almost 15
Fifteen.
7 since Creach.
Now, are you here to tell me all are “explainable” ?
If so, you fall into the non-objective category, just like those you point your finger at…the three fingers pointing back at you are located near your accusational thumb.
Ron_the_Cop on January 31 at 1:37 p.m.
Spoketucky,
Here’s the answer to your question see page 15 of the Critical Incident Protocol that was invoked I believe in this case:
http://tinyurl.com/683qo7u
The answer is “muddied” in the language. It could definitely be more specific. This language needs to be reworked. I actually negotiated a drug testing policy when I was president of our police union that gave the police admin what was necessary and appropriate and still protected the rights of the involved officer.
As it’s written right It leaves some wiggle room between the criminal investigation and the IA review depending on the agency involved.
The question is whether the left hand will coordinate with the right hand?
de3 on January 31 at 1:52 p.m.
Kivaari, what are you thoughts on the corruption and 55 year long murder covered up by the SPD, documented in Tim Egan’s book, Breaking Blue?
Breaking Blue is the story of Pend Orielle Sheriff Tony Bamonte’s attempt to solve a 1935 murder - and learning that the SPD covered it up through 990 when Bamonte traced it to a former SPD officer.
Recent events, and that book, are changing my perspective on the SPD.
de3 on January 31 at 1:53 p.m.
Typo correction - should read “and 55 year long murder cover up by the SPD”. Not “covered”.
saveyourtatas on January 31 at 2:05 p.m.
Tony Bamonte is a great man with the most beautiful yard on the south hill. His wife and he are fantastic gardeners and he is the lone wolf trying to hold the cops and the publishers responsible for some rather interesting RICO things. (Tucker)
crossfire on January 31 at 2:21 p.m.
I agree wholeheartedly with Saveyourtatas:
She is rational and well spoken.
It’s unfortunate this accident happened. Yes, all signs indicate accident until we know otherwise.
Kivaari, these are concerns for the people of Spokane. Last time I checked in your posts, you don’t live in Spokane, don’t work in Spokane, and havn’t ever lived or worked here. Why have you adopted this cities problems as your own? Is it just us or are you regularly trolling all the regional cities blogs? I get why you’re doing it. It’s your form of entertainment. Get a life and stop thinking you have to be “our” authority on all police related matters in “our” town.
Kivaari on January 31 at 2:27 p.m.
“Breaking Blue” was a great read and a great expose of corruption. I don’t like the way cops would cover for bad cops like was so common in the area at least into the 70’s in Western Washington. I worked where the mob was present. The thugs from Thurston, Pierce and King counties owned much of the police. Open gambling and prostitution were common. Our mayor was honored at the city hall with a bronze bust. The cops that closed his whore house were run out of town. When I started work, I believed we actually acted like we should. I expected honest cops. I was disappointed.My early career was destroyed for standing up to the powers that be. I helped weed the city of some corrupt elected officials. I had my career ruined. Sure I got a nice wall plaque for being incorruptible. That didn’t make up for lost years and wages.
At least I was considered the guy on the white horse, the one they ran off. It took years to correct. Spokane has a history of bad cops. I am sure they have some really good ones. Unless you have tried to fight using RICO tactics and have support it is career suicide. My advice to rookies was to always do their personal best and don’t get too involved in the actions of the few bad cops. Do what you can to change the department for the good. The fact that SPD wouldn’t help him bring justice to the town marshal was just one more dirty SPD error. The killer cop should have been arrested and tried before he died. He should have been tried in both the marshal’s murder and the kid’s murder. Keeping secrets like that are unforgivable sins.
Ed Byrnes on January 31 at 2:31 p.m.
I caution everyone to avoid jumping to conclusions given the paucity of factual information currently available. When we cast speculative aspersions we become no different from the LLE posters and their sycophants who assert that anyone who questions LLE is somehow less of a citizen for any number of reasons.
I also clearly understand the deep mistrust that many citizens feel toward LLE. This mistrust now cuts across political and demographic lines so there is no typical citizen who is mistrustful of LLE.
I ask you, my brothers and sisters in Spokane: Would knowing that a group of citizens with investigative powers would publicly review allegations of police misconduct and any officer involved fatalities or shootings, rather than LLE agencies investigating each other, begin allowing you to trust the process used to examine incidents involving LLE and to perhaps become more trusting of LLE?
This is what some of us are working toward and I am interested in what kind of perceived difference this would make.
Ed
lewis8457 on January 31 at 2:38 p.m.
Kivaari you like to start your posts with well here are all the cop haters before you even say anything making me think maybe you are two faced. Meaning I cant hate you but you can hate me, why because your a ex cop? Think about it.
Valley man the problems on these threads are there are too many people getting killed by cops in Spokane. And you cop defenders do not even want to see that, much less care, making you part of the problem in my eyes.
Thoure you comment a lot with Kivaaro around are you two…a….you know friends?
Since we have been lied to so many times by the SPD how can we trust what they say blindly? Only a fool, would believe anything coming out of their mouths.
It all has to do with perception.
Kivaari doesn’t even live in Spokane all you other defenders do you or don’t you? The one thing we all have in common is these incidents are costing us a lot of money, trips to Vegas, 2-week vacations, and someone else has to fill in, and one-sided investigations. Not to mention the numerous martini lunches for Sucker and Verner.
How much do you think the Otto case has cost us already and the trial hasn’t even started? Not that it ever will.
Camden NJ is laying off half its police force due to no money. I wonder how many one sided investigations they had before they went broke?
Kivaari on January 31 at 2:39 p.m.
Spokydabear, Who says I lived in one place my whole life? Considering I lived most of my life in small towns doesn’t mean I haven’t lived elsewhere. I guess time in San Diego, Long Beach (CA), King County, Idaho and elsewhere doesn’t qualify as NOT living in one town all my life. Working in metro areas of King county I guess doesn’t give me a feel for Spokane and it’s self-image problem. Considering the last 4 years of my career was split half time with patrol (I loved it) and traffic safety education, I guess I wouldn’t understand vehicle pedestrian collisions. I wouldn’t have a clue about emergency vehicles colliding with other vehicles and people. I guess since I did serve on a death review board I can’t understand that things go wrong and sometimes both parties hold some blame. I guess you know all about me and more importantly this case.
lewis8457 on January 31 at 2:43 p.m.
Ed I would trust it if you actually had the powers to look into the investigation. But how can you do that when our 100 grand a year ombudsman can’t?
All the power to you.
Kivaari on January 31 at 2:46 p.m.
Lewis, I read a bunch of the postings before I waded in. It is you again. Poor Lewis, I don’t hate you, I hold you in contempt and pity. Why does living across the Idaho border lessen my ability to respond to you and other hate filled bloggers? Be nice and I wont even comment. Be nasty and I will comment.
lewis8457 on January 31 at 2:52 p.m.
my god Kivaari did you actually say it yes you did, Cant go back and change it like at KXLY
“things go wrong and sometimes BOTH parties hold some blame.”
BOTH PARTIES???? BOTH really that hasn’t been what you have been preaching. So by both you meant the cops were in the wrong too???
Check your armor buddy it is slipping.
Stop the presses new headline Kivaari admits
“Police make mistakes too”.
concerned_citizen on January 31 at 2:53 p.m.
From guns, to vehicles, to…what next?
Kivaari on January 31 at 3:00 p.m.
Crossfire, Why would someone not living in Spokane have to remain silent? The only reason I adopted Spokane’s police problems is I read the story about Creach. I suspected what went down, and was proven correct. I read all of the hate speech from Lewis and his friends. It happened to family and friends when they shot people and was very unfair and full of lies. I knew what pain they had to endure. Since the Lewisisms just kept on coming, I felt they needed to be knocked down with the truth or at least common sense. Just like in this case, the hate the cops crowd instantly is calling the Spokane cops all kinds of untruthful and nasty names. Well, if they can do that, I can respond. So living just across the border, I guess my free speech needs to be suppressed. Just because I was a small town cop means just what? That we don’t train the same as big city cops? Actually we might not get as many really bad calls, but normally we patrol officers did the whole investigation. We didn’t hand over a case to detectives since we didn’t have any. In a rare murder case we called in the WSP crime lab and Sheriff. If you don’t like people commenting on your insane posts, then don’t post. If you don’t like what I write, then don’t read my postings.
misjustice on January 31 at 3:23 p.m.
This thread needs a mommy to supervise it.
Perhaps if the moderators actually started pulling comments that are flagged for violation of forum standards and community guidelines we could have a civilized discussion instead of personal attacks, which get us no where.
What say you, Addy?
Cheezwhiz on January 31 at 3:25 p.m.
I got it! I have the mother of all solutions for everything! It will end all of the public distrust and outrage, as well as aiding investigators of police abuse and neglect!
First of all, amend the law that prohibits recording citizens in Spokane County.
Require all officers to wear a helmet cam. They are a whole lot cheaper than most of their equipment. Maybe a custom model that is very difficult to destroy or remove the “black box” from the uniform, and has a memory card that is sealed.
This would show the officer’s viewpoint and exactly what he saw (or didn’t see) at the time of the incident.
Require the memory chip to be downloaded to a computer network that is accessible to independent parties, within 15 minutes of the incident, through an onboard computer in a prowler. This way, the video couldn’t be altered.
Destruction, loss, or just plain not wearing this would be punishable by automatic termination of employment.
In this case of the cop waxing a pedestrian, it would show where his eyes were looking, (wouldn’t it be interesting if he was texting?)the conditions of the road, conditions of lighting, speed, warning signals, such as overhead lights and siren, where the victim came from, and what the victim was wearing. We wouldn’t have to take the word of the cops as to their version of these factors. No more excuses, and the public would be satisfied.
We would have have answers in so many controversial cases, except maybe Shonto Pete.
Brad and Zelda, please let me know when you get this done.
Who’s with me?
west on January 31 at 3:28 p.m.
SpookyHollow is a crappy little town….move away!
Cheezwhiz on January 31 at 3:33 p.m.
Example of a helmet cam. This one is poorly placed and it has a blind spot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0eootaHR0Q
lynns on January 31 at 3:34 p.m.
Since a few of us aren’t doing so well heeding Addy’s admonition, we’re going to go ahead and freeze this thread.
-Lynn, S-R Web producer