Articles Posted in Uncategorized

Why is an OC teenager not with us anymore?

The Orange County Register published a story about a Ladera Ranch teenager, Nicole Catsouras, 18, who apparently lost control of a Porsche 911 Carrera while attempting to pass another vehicle at more than 100 mph on the 241 Toll road, according to California Highway Patrol officials. Apparently the teenager clipped a Honda Civic, while attempting to pass it, lost control, crossed the center median, traveled across the north lanes and the Alton Parkway southbound on-ramp and crashed into a toll booth building.

The Honda Civic hit the center median. The driver, a twenty year old Rancho Santa Margarita man, was injured and taken to Mission Hospital. An open alcoholic beverage container was found by the police in the Honda Civic, according to the CHP.

An 18 year old driving a Porsche, 100 mph. Twenty year old, driving with open container. They barely met. One dies and one goes to the hospital. There are many things wrong with this picture.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of theses young people. God bless Nicole’s soul!
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Are the police free from liability when a pursuit kills or maims the innocent?

Here’s an interesting question that is before the U.S. Supreme Court: “Can a police officer be sued for hitting a fleeing car during a high-speed police chase and causing an automobile accident that leaves the driver badly injured or dead?”

The answer to this question and the high court’s decision could change the way things work on Southern California freeways, as explained by a Feb. 26 article in the Los Angeles Times.

According to Times writer David Savage, the court’s answer appeared to be “no.” Our television stations must be breathing a huge sigh of relief. These chases do after all attract a large number of viewers who can’t wait to find out how it all ended.

This case has drawn a lot of attention because it could lay the foundation for national rules to limit police chases. According to the Times article, more than 300 people are killed every year in police chases. A majority of the victims are those who flee the police, but a large number of victims are also innocent bystanders. Several police officers are also injured or killed in these crashes.

But during arguments this week, most of the Supreme Court justices said they were not inclined to tie the hands of police and restrict them from using force when they are pursuing a person, who could pose substantial danger to the public.
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