Philadelphia — The city has reached a settlement of $2.9 million with the family of two individuals seriously injured during a police chase involving an illegal dirt bike in 2017. The incident occurred near the 69th Street Terminal when officers pursued a dirt bike, which ultimately struck a 6-year-old girl and her great aunt, both of whom sustained critical injuries but survived.
Legal representatives for the victims argued in court that the officer involved in the pursuit failed to adhere to the Philadelphia Police Department’s established policy against high-speed chases. This directive is intended to minimize risks to both officers and community members.
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel acknowledged the dangers involved in police pursuits, stating that hundreds of fatalities occur each year nationwide during such incidents. Often, innocent bystanders bear the consequences of these high-speed chases. While he refrained from commenting specifically on this case, he emphasized that dangerous pursuits are typically reserved for instances involving violent felons or situations where suspects pose an imminent threat with a deadly weapon.
In recent years, residents in Philadelphia have voiced frustration over the police department’s increased reluctance to engage in pursuits, especially during chaotic gatherings involving motorcycles and dirt bikes. Instead, officers have been instructed to disperse these groups, a practice that has led to officers sustaining injuries in the process.
Bethel expressed his understanding of the public’s concerns but maintained that prioritizing lives—both of police officers and community members—must remain the top priority. He remarked, “I choose life over the risk of someone losing their life because we are chasing a car, particularly for a stolen auto or some low-level offense.”
In cases where officers opt to pursue a suspect, supervisors must closely monitor the situation and continually assess the unfolding events. Bethel noted that such decisions should be made with great caution, especially in instances where the alleged offenses are minor.
The officer named in the lawsuit remains employed by the Philadelphia Police Department, although details surrounding any disciplinary measures he may have faced have not been disclosed.
This settlement highlights ongoing discussions about police pursuit policies, the balance between community safety and law enforcement responsibilities, and the urgent need for transparency regarding police conduct.
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