RAYTOWN, Mo. — Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forte wasted no time Thursday in addressing concerns about his department's pursuit policy, announcing a change in policy to place "a priority on the life of the general public, the deputy and the suspect."
That policy wasn't in effect a year ago, when an Chris Reed, an innocent bystander, was struck in a Raytown intersection by a deputy engaged in a pursuit.
"When the deputy chooses to turn off his emergency lights and siren and yet still decides to travel 71 miles and hour in a 25 miles per hour zone and still decides to run two red lights, those facts all coupled together this was a disaster waiting to happen," Brett Burmeister, Reed's attorney, said.
The horrific crash on May 9, 2018 hospitalized Reed, a husband and father of four, for more than a month.
His recovery is still ongoing.
"He has issues with memory, emotional and psychological issues like forgetting where he parked his car," Burmeister said. "Simple things that we take for granted, Chris struggles with everyday."
The deputy who hit Reed, Sean Stoff, remains employed and now faces a misdemeanor of driving in a careless and imprudent manner involving an accident.
"It sends a message to law enforcement in general that you are held accountable," Burmeister said. "You do great work in our community. You keep us safe. You get the bad guys. But when you’re going after those bad guys, you have to be responsible."
Soon after the charge came to light, Forte, who was appointed interim sheriff a day after the wreck, announced on Facebook that a restrictive vehicle pursuit policy is now in place. The move comes after Forte suspended all vehicle pursuits during the policy review.
"It’s been an ongoing problem with Jackson county and the changes, and while we haven’t seen them on how they’re worded in the new policy, it’s very encouraging that they’re taking steps in reducing the situation," Burmeister said.
On Friday, Forte followed-up on the change of policy, noting that ongoing litigation prevented him from commenting further.
Re: Vehicle Pursuit Incident Litigation
— Darryl Forte' (@sheriffforte) May 3, 2019
We are limiting our comments regarding this incident because of pending civil litigation. We will certainly share information with the general public at the appropriate time. pic.twitter.com/d5QEuCbmEq
41 Action News has requested a copy of the updated pursuit policy.
