Every weekend hundreds of cyclists ride the streets of South Florida. It also seems that every weekend I write a blog about bicycle accidents. Unfortunately, two cyclist were killed this morning when a burglar fleeing from police sped southbound on Palm Avenue. As he neared the intersection of Sheridan and Palm, he ran through the intersection's red light, crashed into a red Honda civic that was traveling westbound on Sheridan and then proceeded to strike the 2 cyclists. The cyclists died at the scene.
The burglar took off on foot following the accident. Police later apprehended a possible suspect.
The tragedy began when several burglars broke into cars at Rock Creek Apartments in Cooper City. One of the vehicle owners watched as his car was broken into, and he called Broward Police.
As reported by the Sun Sentinel, when officers arrived at the apartment complex, the car's owner pointed out the burglar and he was arrested. However, a second burglar sped away and police chased him.
One of the many legal questions is whether the police were negligent in their chasing the burglary suspect. Police departments have "chase" protocols, and the police should either not chase or call off a chase if the risk to the public is too high.
Another question is whether the police had their sirens on? If not, that is negligence.
Is it justifiable to "chase" a burglar if that chase results in the death of two innocent people?
A murder suspect? yes. A burglar? probably not!!!!!
