Police Sued for Reckless Driving Resulting in Death

Susy Owen

Attorney

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Louisville Metro Police officer caused the death of a man when he drove the wrong way on a one-way street. Derek Butler, 38, had just left choir practice when the incident occured. He died at the scene. The wife of the decedent filed a lawsuit in Jefferson Circuit Court on Friday. Officer Jason Brown, the offending officer, who had his lights and siren on, stated that he did not know that he was driving the wrong way.

In part, the suit claims that Brown was driving recklessly, speeding and operating an emergency vehicle without regard for the safety of others.

The lawsuit, filed in Jefferson Circuit Court, alleges that Brown failed to follow safety policies and procedures or comply with state rules and regulations. The suit accuses Brown of reckless driving, speeding and operating an emergency vehicle without regard for the safety of others, among other allegations. Unbelievably, prior to becoming an officer, Brown was stopped by police on four separate occasions. As a result of those traffic stops, he was charged with reckless driving, running a traffic light, failing to produce his insurance card, speeding, disregarding a stop sign and having expired plates. The suit seeks unspecified monetary damages and a trial by jury.