The Associated Press
OXNARD, Calif.- The family of a sunbather who was run over by a police beach patrol filed a $10 million legal claim against the city, alleging it was negligent in allowing the officers on the beach in an SUV without specialized training.
The claim, filed Wednesday, also contends the city failed to have a beach driving policy in effect that might have prevented Cindy Conolly’s death.
Conolly, 49, was in town for her son’s wedding in June when she was run over while on the beach northwest of Los Angeles. The Sioux City, Iowa, woman died from head and chest injuries. The two officers told investigators they were not aware of what happened until they were summoned back to the scene 20 minutes later by a 911 call.
In addition to monetary damages, the claim filed on behalf of her children asks that the city adopt beach-driving policies that will make patrols safer.
The city’s special counsel, Alan Wisotsky, said he could not comment until the District Attorney’s Office completed its investigation to determine if a crime was committed.