A St. Charles County jury has awarded $75 million to the family of a man fatally struck by a driver fleeing from police.
The tragic incident occurred on Nov. 17, 2018, when the victim, driving a 2002 Ford Focus, was hit by a person driving a 1998 Dodge Durango at speeds exceeding 100 mph while evading a St. Charles County police officer.
As the five-year anniversary of the senseless death approaches, the family's attorneys released a statement expressing satisfaction that the voice of the St. Charles community has been heard through this verdict. The jury deliberated for about an hour before rendering a verdict, which included $50 million in actual damages and $25 million in punitive damages. The deceased was a promising musician at the time of his untimely death.
Originally, the family filed a lawsuit against St. Charles County, the pursuing officer, and the fleeing individual. The family claimed the officer ignored at least two orders to halt the pursuit. However, the county and the officer were excluded from the lawsuit based on laws protecting officers in their official capacities.
Subsequently, the family pursued an independent lawsuit against the fleeing individual, who is currently serving a 15-year prison term after pleading guilty to second-degree murder, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, and DWI.
