Colorado officer convicted of misdemeanors but cleared of felony charges in case involving handcuffed suspect hit by train

Colorado Police Officer Found Guilty in Train Collision Case

A Colorado police officer has been found guilty of two misdemeanors in connection with a train collision that occurred last year near Denver. Fort Lupton police Officer Jordan Steinke was convicted of reckless endangerment and third-degree assault but was acquitted of a felony charge of criminal attempt to commit manslaughter. The incident occurred when Steinke put a handcuffed suspect in a patrol SUV, which was then hit by a train. The verdict was delivered by Judge Timothy Kerns after a weeklong bench trial. Steinke, who had waived her right to have the case decided by a jury, was visibly emotional and sobbed after the verdict was read.

The incident took place in September when Steinke joined a traffic stop involving Yareni Rios-Gonzalez, who was suspected of brandishing a gun at another driver in a road rage incident. Steinke placed Rios into the patrol car of Platteville police Officer Pablo Vasquez, who had arrived at the scene first and parked in the middle of a railroad crossing. Body-worn camera and dashboard camera footage released by the police showed Rios screaming for help as the train approached and struck the vehicle. Rios suffered multiple injuries, including nine broken ribs and a broken arm.

During the trial, Steinke’s defense argued that she should not be held responsible as she was unaware of the risk she had placed the suspect in. Steinke testified that she did not notice the location of the railroad tracks, despite multiple warning signs, as she was focused on approaching a potentially armed suspect. The defense claimed that Steinke’s divided attention prevented her from fully being aware of her surroundings.

The Weld County district attorney’s office declined to comment on the verdict, and Steinke’s attorneys did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Steinke’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 15. Officer Vasquez, who also faces misdemeanor charges in connection with the incident, has not entered a plea. His next court date is set for September 14.

Yareni Rios-Gonzalez, the handcuffed suspect involved in the collision, previously entered a no contest plea to misdemeanor menacing in connection with the road rage case. A felony charge against her was dropped, according to her attorney.

The collision has raised questions about police procedures and officer accountability. The guilty verdict against Steinke highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in police custody. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks and consequences when proper protocols are not followed.

Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-07-29 06:59:00