A Seattle Police who struck and killed an Indian student with his car while responding to an abuse call in January 2023 has been fired, Seattle's interim police chief announced Monday.
Interim Police Chief Sue Rahr wrote in an email to employees that she fired Kevin Dave after the Seattle Police Department found he violated four department policies, including one that requires officers to be held accountable. for safe operation of a patrol car, in connection with a death. of Jaahnavi Kandula, following Seattle Times.
“I believe the officer did not intend to hurt anyone that night and that he was trying to get to someone who might be drinking as quickly as possible,” Rahr wrote.
2 DEAD AFTER SEARCHING FOR SASQUATCH IN WASHINGTON STATE
Jaahnavi Kandula's photo framed by flowers, Jan. 29, 2023, Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
“However, I cannot accept the tragic consequences of his dangerous driving,” he continued. “His good intentions do not diminish the wrong decision that resulted in the loss of life and brought disrepute to the Seattle Police Department.”
Rahr's announcement comes nearly a year after King County prosecutors announced they declined to file criminal charges against Dave due to insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Dave was negligent when he struck and killed Kandula.
The Seattle City Attorney's Office later issued Dave a $5,000 citation for reckless driving.
The Seattle City Attorney's Office issued Dave a $5,000 citation for reckless driving. (iStock)
City prosecutors say Dave was driving 74 mph on a street with a 25 mph speed limit before hitting Kandula. Dave initially contested the ticket before recently agreeing to pay the fine, complete an eight-hour traffic safety course over the summer and perform 40 hours of community service on September 30.
Kandula's death sparked outrage in the US and India, especially after body camera footage of another officer wearing body armor was released. In the post, the official, Daniel Auderer, laughed and suggested that Kandula's life had “little value” and the city should “just write a check.”
Politicians from India called for an investigation and the Seattle public watchdog found Auderer's comments, who had been the leader of the movement, damaging. police department reputation and undermine public trust.
City prosecutors say Dave was driving 74 mph on a street with a 25 mph speed limit before hitting Kandula. (Seattle Police Department / File)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Auderer was eventually fired for the comments.
Kandula's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Dave and the city, alleging that Kandula suffered extreme emotional distress, pain and suffering before she died from her injuries. The family said they are asking for $110 million in damages, plus $11,000. The case is scheduled to go to trial in September.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.