The Virginian-Pilot
©
CHESAPEAKE
A city police officer is suing the man who ran into him after a vehicle chase, leaving the officer in the road with a chipped ankle and lacerated chin.
Raymond Kerr Jr., a 10-year veteran, testified during a criminal trial in October to chasing what turned out to be a stolen Lexus at 80 mph. He said he watched in horror as the car's backup lights came on and the vehicle sped toward him and his police motorcycle on Etheridge Manor Boulevard, knocking both down before taking off again. Kerr, who is seeking $2 million, filed suit this week in Chesapeake.
Jamel M. Albritton, 23, pleaded guilty in October to stealing the car, eluding police and hit-and-run in the April 8 incident.
A Circuit Court judge also convicted Albritton of malicious wounding and attempted murder of a police officer, but is considering Albritton's request to toss out the latter charge, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. Albritton testified that he didn't mean to strike Kerr. Albritton is in the city jail; his sentencing is scheduled for April 18.
Lawsuits by police against suspects they say intentionally injured them are filed frequently, Kerr's lawyer, Michael Imprevento, said Thursday. "And the law recognizes their right to do that, particularly in a vehicular context," Imprevento said.
He said he's seen several cases where officers were run over, caught beneath a fleeing car or caught in windows by seat belts.
"I don't think there's enough money to make these officers whole," he said.
Matthew Bowers, (757) 222-5221, matthew.bowers@pilotonline.com
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so if the officer hits a
so if the officer hits a suspect fleeing on foot with his car can they file lawsuit as well or is that jus proper procedure to hit suspects? and i am speaking bout the non violent ones not the murderers and robbers etc.
Not wasting ANY time
It is not wasting anyones time. The Officer was injuried in this "attack". The Officer should get EVERY DIME of the money.
Bullchips
The officer was doing his job, he got hurt in the line of duty and now sees an opportunity to make some money. Hopefully, he won't make a dime off of this trivial action.
Think about this, if this Cop ran you over, do you think you could sue him? Nope, the city would protect him through soverign immunity.
This is a waste of time
and money. Does this officer really think he is going to get any money out of this guy? Come on, let's quit wasting the court's time and the people's money.
Against Owner's Insurance Policy
Two Million dollar law suit against this punk kid? The officer won't get anything from him, but the law suit will be directed against the Lexus owner's insurance policy, which really isn't fair, since the car was stolen. I can see the insurance company fighting this one, long and hard.
Let the kid rot in prison for life
He knew he was being chased and by a motorcycle cop. He has pleaded guilty. He's lucky he didn't kill the police officer. I don't care if he says he accidentally put it in reverse. When you manage to use your vehicle to hit a police officer with lights flashing, I say that's it, bye bye, life in jail.
Maybe we can get him to record a commercial for friends. "I used to be real cool and steal cars, then I hit a cop with a stolen car and here is where I'll be for the rest of my life."
I say if you are convicted of trying to injure a person in full uniform and flashing lights then you deserve to spend a long long time in prison. Maybe 30 to 40 years at the very least.