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SPECIAL CLAIM SC-1920-3: SUBMITTED BY SERENITI IRISH IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,862.55 FOR DAMAGE HER VEHICLE RECEIVED WHEN IT WAS STRUCK BY A CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT VEHICLE ON AUGUST 4, 2019.
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BACKGROUND: A claim has been filed by Sereniti Irish in the amount of $1,862.55 for damage that occurred to her vehicle on August 4, 2019, when it was struck by a City Police Department vehicle at the intersection of East Main Street and Crawford Avenue.
DISCUSSION: This incident was investigated by Kevin Foster, Interim Chief of Police. On August 4, 2019, a City police officer was driving eastbound on East Main Street with active lights and sirens in response to an emergency call. As he approached the area of interest near the intersection of Crawford Avenue, the officer subsequently turned off his siren.
At this same intersection, Ms. Irish was also headed eastbound on East Main Street but had previously stopped to observe a red traffic light. The officer attempted to drive around Ms. Irish to turn right to Crawford Avenue but during this time the traffic light turned green. Unaware that the officer was behind her, Ms. Irish began driving forward and collided with the officer.
Ms. Irish obtained three (3) estimates for repair of the front bumper, panel and headlights of her 2011 Chevy Cruze, with the lowest estimate being $1,862.55. As indicated above, there appears to be possible negligence on the part of the City in this matter and, consequently, potential liability on the City. Ms. Irish’s claim in the amount of $1,862.55 appears reasonable.
RECOMMENDATION: Based upon the above and foregoing, it is the recommendation of the City Attorney’s office that the claim of Sereniti Irish, in the amount of $1,862.55 as set forth above, be approved.