Colorado authorities come to a $8.5 million agreement with a woman who was handcuffed inside a police vehicle that was struck by a train.
The localities of Fort Lupton and Platteville, Colorado, have come to an understanding with the victim, Yareni Rios-Gonzalez, as per a statement from the Fort Lupton Police Department. The sum will be distributed amongst the two entities equally and covered by their insurance providers, as detailed by attorney Eric M. Ziporin, who handles the city's legal matters.
Rios - a suspect in a road rage case - managed to survive the September 2022 mishap but sustained nine fractured ribs, a broken limb, and other injuries.
"This voluntary agreement is satisfactory to all parties, acknowledges the seriousness of the situation, and enables everyone to progress," Fort Lupton police department noted.
In the prior year, Fort Lupton police officer Jordan Steinke was found liable for reckless endangerment and third-degree assault in the accident and mandated to undergo 30 months of monitored probation and complete 100 hours of community service.
On the day in question, Steinke became involved in an altercation with Rios during a traffic stop, wherein officials decided Rios had potentially displayed a firearm at another driver earlier that night. Steinke transported the victim into Patteville police officer Pablo Vasquez's cruiser, which was situated in the middle of a railway crossing.
Detailed records released by the police department showed Rios imploring for help as the train came close and impacted the car.
During Steinke's trial, she asserted that she failed to identify the railroad tracks' position despite numerous warnings, like one located by her automobile.
The officer stated that she couldn't dedicate full attention to her environment due to her focus on engaging with a possibly armed suspect, "You can only multitask so far."
CNN tried reaching out to the Town of Platteville and an attorney for Rios in relation to the settlement.
Fort Lupton is about 30 miles north of Denver.
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Despite the settlement, the Colorado case involving Rios and the Fort Lupton Police Department continues to spark discussions among the community and legal circles. The agreement between the US cities of Fort Lupton and Platteville, both in Colorado, and Rios has echoed throughout the nation, highlighting the need for improved police protocols and public safety measures.
