At least 54 Minnesotans were killed in police chases between 2017 and 2022, according to a first-of-its kind national database compiled by the San Francisco Chronicle. About half of those killed were either innocent bystanders or passengers in the vehicles pursued. The overwhelming majority of those pursuits stemmed from traffic stops, car thefts and other […]
About half of those killed were either innocent bystanders or passengers in the vehicles pursued. The overwhelming majority of those pursuits stemmed from traffic stops, car thefts and other nonviolent offenses. Less than one quarter of the deadly police chases were initiated over a suspected violent crime.
I don’t like the fact that passengers in the vehicle were lumped in with “innocent bystanders”. I would assume there are cases in which, say a stolen car, the passengers are just fine with running from the police to avoid arrest.
The article also didn’t break down why people ran. Did the traffic stop involve someone with drugs, an illegal firearm, or an outstanding warrant that didn’t want to be caught? DUI? I think there needs to be more information on why people ran, it certainly can’t all be someone trying to avoid fixing a taillight or a 10 over the limit ticket.
I don’t like the fact that passengers in the vehicle were lumped in with “innocent bystanders”. I would assume there are cases in which, say a stolen car, the passengers are just fine with running from the police to avoid arrest.
The article also didn’t break down why people ran. Did the traffic stop involve someone with drugs, an illegal firearm, or an outstanding warrant that didn’t want to be caught? DUI? I think there needs to be more information on why people ran, it certainly can’t all be someone trying to avoid fixing a taillight or a 10 over the limit ticket.