by Tragedy Through Police Chase
Police chases unquestionably carry risks, and sometimes they are outright irresponsible. Law enforcement representatives often claim that such actions are necessary. One family in Washington is filing a lawsuit against the local police department due to procedural violations that led to the death of 57-year-old driver Bogdan Vetrov.
Circumstances of the Death
Vetrov, a father of seven children, worked as a truck driver and was performing his duties on June 29, 2023. Early in the morning, police were pursuing a stolen Kia that crashed into his truck. The vehicle overturned, Vetrov was thrown from the cabin, and he later died in the hospital.
Legal Violations
According to the lawsuit, attorneys Mark Lindquist and Angus Lee claim that the officers initiated a high-speed chase without necessary risk assessment, supervisor approval, or appropriate certification, violating both state laws and internal department regulations. Lindquist noted:
If police follow the rules and use common sense, they can catch criminals without threatening the public.
Development of Events
According to investigators, Officer Cruner believed he could identify one of the suspects in a robbery. Instead of waiting to arrest the suspect at his residence, he and another officer began pursuing the vehicle. After activating emergency lights, the Kia driver began to flee, leading to the fatal accident.
Consequences and Reaction
Dashcam footage shows that the chase continued to an intersection where Vetrov was already present. Soon after, the Kia collided with the truck. Both teenagers in the stolen vehicle survived. The Lakewood Police Department declined to comment on the case due to ongoing litigation. Filing the claim is the first step before a civil lawsuit, and the family will be able to formally file in court if no settlement is reached within 60 days.
General Context
Similar pursuits have repeatedly proven dangerous, with innocent bystanders often becoming victims. This tragedy highlights the importance of following safety protocols during police operations to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Vetrov family seeks not only compensation but also systemic changes in pursuit approaches to protect citizens’ lives.
