Minerva Comacho Killed In Sanger Car Accident During Police Pursuit Along Almond Avenue
SANGER, CALIFORNIA (April 2, 2022) – A grandmother identified as Minerva Comacho has tragically died in a Sanger car accident during a police pursuit.
Fresno County police officials are saying that the accident took place on Tuesday evening. Officers claim they were chasing a gang member.
The pursuit reached speeds of 80 mph before the suspect drove onto Minerva Comacho’s driveway. The victim was able to push her granddaughter out of the way before being pinned against her home by the suspect’s SUV.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Sadly, Minerva Comacho died due to the severity of her injuries.
Family members are saying that she died a hero. Family members are also demanding that there is accountability for what happened. They remain concerned officers were not following police pursuit guidelines.
You can help support the family through GoFundMe. According to the fundraiser, “Minerva Camacho was a recent widow, a mother of 2, had 2 grandchildren, a daughter, and was one of 11 siblings. […] The funds will be used for her funeral expenses and all-the funds will be sent directly to her children to manage.”
Liability In Sanger Police Pursuit Accidents
Police pursuits are among the most dangerous activities that officers engage in. According to CBS News, 475 people were killed in police pursuits over the last 15 years. fMore than 180 of those victims were innocent bystanders. Pursuits are supposed to be a measure of last resort. But they are often initiated for petty theft or traffic violations. Sanger Police Department officials must consider a number of factors when deciding when to initiate a pursuit.
- Officers must consider the seriousness of the reasonably suspected crime and its relation to the community.
- Officers must consider the safety of the area of the pursuit including the amount of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
- Officers should consider weather, traffic and road conditions.
- Officers should consider if the suspect has been identified and can be safety apprehended at a later time.
- Officers should consider the speeds of all vehicles involved.
California has some of the most complex laws with respect to liability involving police pursuits. They are laid out in California Vehicle Code § 17004.7. In general, California police departments have a great deal of immunity for accidents that take place during police pursuits. However, in order to receive immunity, police departments must fulfill a number of requirements including:
- Police departments must have a written policy which addresses police pursuit guidelines. The department must, at a minimum, address 13 subjects in California Vehicle Code § 17004.7.
- Police departments must provide “regular and periodic” annual training for acceptable practices with respect to police pursuits.
- Police departments must promulgate the policy and require that officers certify in writing they have received, read and understand the pursuit policy.
The family of any victim that died during a police pursuit may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. Sadly, though, police departments will often fight extremely hard to deny liability for a collision. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Sanger Police Pursuit Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Minerva Comacho. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. The Sanger Police Department needs to be transparent about what took place. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to help prevent additional tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a Sanger police pursuit accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991. Se habla español.
