Lawsuit against Chickasaw Police moves foward

CHICKASAW, Ala. (WALA) - Chickasaw City Attorney Jay Minus said the city received a notice to file a lawsuit after a police cruiser car crash.

Minus said the Chickasaw Police Department's internal investigation is complete and the officers involved in the crash are back on duty. He said the city is confident in its position.

This suit comes after investigators said two officers in a police cruiser were responding to a burglary call when their car collided with a a vehicle on Thursday, January 31. The family in the second vehicle is suing the city.

Alabama State Troopers said its investigation shows the officer ran a stop sign, and there was no indication of an active siren at the time of the crash. They also said there are still conflicting reports as to whether the cruiser had its blue lights on or off when the crash occurred.

Crash witnesses: "No lights, no sirens"

The report also stated Danecia Vassell, the driver of the second vehicle, was going faster than the posted speed limit at the time of the crash on Thompson St. and Delaware Blvd. in a Chickasaw neighborhood.

 Russ Copeland represents the Vassel family.

"I hoped they've learned from their past experience. And that this does not happen again,” said Copeland.

Copeland is waiting for the Vassels’ to complete their medical treatment before he moves forward with the lawsuit.  He said a recent development in his case, could benefit his client.  He said chickasaw’s insurance company agreed to pay of the damages on the families car.

City officials would not appear on camera to comment on the case, but say they are confident.