Philadelphia, PA – The City of Philadelphia has agreed to a $2.9 million settlement following a 2017 police chase that led to severe injuries of two pedestrians, including a young child. The incident involved a pursuit of an illegal dirt bike near the 69th Street Terminal, which resulted in a 6-year-old girl and her great aunt being critically injured after being struck by the dirt bike.
The officers involved came under scrutiny for not stopping to assist the victims, prompting legal action and widespread public attention regarding police pursuit practices in Philadelphia.
The Circumstances of the 2017 Police Chase
During the 2017 incident, Philadelphia police were pursuing the driver of an illegal dirt bike when the biker struck two bystanders. According to reports, the pedal bike rider crashed into a 6-year-old girl and her great aunt, both of whom sustained critical injuries but survived. However, the officer involved did not provide immediate assistance to the victims, which lawyers argue violated the Philadelphia Police Department’s established “do not chase” directive.
Police Pursuit Guidelines and Community Safety
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel commented on nationwide police pursuits, emphasizing the significant dangers they pose to innocent bystanders.
“Hundreds of people are killed every year in police pursuits across America, and in many of those cases, the people involved are bystanders.”
Commissioner Bethel explained that police chases in Philadelphia are reserved for the most serious and violent crimes, especially if the suspect presents a clear and immediate threat with a deadly weapon. Less severe offenses generally do not warrant high-speed pursuits.
Balancing Law Enforcement and Public Safety
In recent times, some Philadelphia residents have expressed frustration over officers not pursuing reckless drivers during chaotic gatherings of cars, motorcycles, and dirt bikes. The police department instead focuses on dispersing these groups to minimize risk, despite the potential dangers officers face during these interventions.
“I understand the concerns, but I cannot, nor should we be the cause of these pursuits, be losing lives, losing police officer lives, and, most importantly across the board, losing lives of people across the community.” – Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel
He further detailed the department’s cautious approach towards pursuits, stating that a supervisor must oversee any chase and that the risks must be weighed carefully. Pursuits over minor offenses such as stolen vehicles or retail theft generally do not justify endangering lives.
Aftermath and Accountability
The officer named in the lawsuit remains employed with the Philadelphia Police Department, but it remains unclear what consequences, if any, the officer faced following the incident. The city’s decision to settle the lawsuit for nearly $3 million reflects a recognition of the injuries caused and the seriousness of the breach in protocol.
Key Takeaways
- In 2017, a police chase in Philadelphia led to a 6-year-old girl and her great aunt being critically injured.
- The officer involved violated the department’s “do not chase” directive by failing to stop and assist the victims.
- Philadelphia police chases are restricted to serious violent crimes due to the high risks involved.
- Police Commissioner Bethel prioritizes life over risky pursuits, emphasizing careful supervision when chases do occur.
- The $2.9 million lawsuit settlement highlights ongoing concerns about police pursuit practices and accountability.
What Do You Think?
How should police departments balance public safety with effective law enforcement regarding high-speed pursuits? Have you or someone you know been affected by police chases? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!