The couple's attorney said Officer Michael Brunner was driving at speeds of 65 kilometers per hour in a 30 mph zone just before T-boning the couple.
SPOKANE, Wash. — Nearly four years after their car was gutted outside Deaconess Hospital, James and Lois Collins have agreed to settle their claim against the city for $135,000.
Spokane City Council members approved the six-figure settlement at a meeting Monday night and heard public comment.
Resident Zachary McGuckin said during the public discussion: “We don't just have to hand over a lot of money to the police before they do something wrong, we have to make them pay for their mistakes and missteps.”
The high-speed crash occurred outside Deaconess Hospital in March 2020. James Collins and his wife were heading west on Fifth Avenue, and Spokane Police Officer Michael Brunner was heading down Lincoln Street Hill.
Collins' attorney said Brunner was driving 65 degrees in a 30 mph zone just before the boner with the couple.
James Collins suffered a fractured collarbone and ribs and trauma to his kidney. His wife Lois suffered a cut on her head that needed staples.
The couple also received tickets. Officers at the scene determined that Brunner had the right of way. The officer was later charged with felony vehicular assault.
In 2021, Brunner agreed to plead guilty and the charge was reduced to misdemeanor reckless driving. He was ordered to pay a $283 fine.
According to court documents, Brunner was not responding to an emergency at the time of the accident and was returning to the station at the end of his shift.
An internal investigation found that Mr. Brunner violated three department policies. SPD confirmed that Brunner is still with the department.
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