A motorist alleges injuries after a man fleeing from Alton police officers crashed into a parked car.
The lawsuit was filed in the Madison County Circuit Court by plaintiff Toni M. Lucas against defendants City of Alton, Alton Police Department, James Krankel, and Vincent J. Caldwell.
According to the complaint, Lucas alleges Caldwell failed to stop at a stop sign in Alton on Feb. 24, 2023, prompting officer Krankel to pursue him. The chase lasted approximately one minute and 40 seconds. During the chase, Caldwell’s vehicle collided with a parked car in which Lucas was seated.
The lawsuit states that Lucas’ vehicle was stationary at the time of the collision and suffered damage as a result. Furthermore, it is alleged that the collision caused Lucas to sustain severe and permanent injuries. The plaintiff alleges the defendants improperly pursued Caldwell and asserts that had they terminated the pursuit earlier, the collision would not have occurred.
The lawsuit also states that the Alton Police Department failed to adequately train its employees and agents on appropriate pursuit procedures. It further alleges they defendants failed to use emergency lights during the pursuit.
Lucas seeks damages in an amount the court deems just.
This article was first published in Madison Record.
