The Associated Press
DENVER (AP) -- The family of a 14-year-old boy killed in a crash during a police pursuit wants an independent investigation into what went wrong.
Brandon Magnusson and his mother, Julie Bailey, 46, were waiting in a turn lane in their Ford Ranger last week when they were hit by a man racing away from police. Bailey was hospitalized with serious injuries.
“Simply put, the family questions what traffic offense could be so grave to merit risking the lives of our children,” attorney Paula Greisen said at a news conference on behalf of the family Wednesday.
“To that end, the family is calling for an immediate and thorough investigation by law enforcement and independent investigators into the decision to participate in such a high-speed and high-risk pursuit,” she said.
The fleeing driver, identified as Raymond Juhl, 22, of Thornton, was sought on a traffic warrant and investigators said they also discovered a softball-sized baggie of possible methamphetamine.
The chase was launched when Juhl’s rented car forced a patrol cruiser and two other cars to swerve, authorities said.
Commerce City police are awaiting the findings of the North Metro Accident Reconstruction Team before beginning an internal investigation into whether officers followed the department’s pursuit policy.