Well Deserved: Latino Woman Wins $8.5 Million Settlement After Being Hit by Train While Handcuffed in Police Car

A Colorado woman , Yareni Rios-Gonzalez, has secured an $8.5 million settlement in a civil lawsuit after she was struck by a freight train while handcuffed in the back of a police car ,

The 2022 incident resulted in severe injuries and raised significant concerns over police misconduct .

The near-fatal event occurred when Rios-Gonzalez, then 20, was pulled over by Sgt. Pablo Vazquez of the Platteville Police Department for allegedly brandishing a handgun during a road rage incident.

Officers Jordan Steinke and Ryan Thomeczek from the nearby Fort Lupton Police Department arrived at the scene to assist with the arrest , as the incident had occurred within their jurisdiction .

In a critical error, Sgt. Vazquez parked his patrol car directly on active train tracks, and Rios-Gonzalez was placed inside the vehicle, handcuffed.

Despite the sound of an approaching train horn, none of the officers reacted in time . As the freight train barreled down, the officers fled the scene, leaving Rios trapped in the backseat.

The train collided with the patrol car, severely injuring Rios, who sustained a broken arm and significant head trauma .

Rios-Gonzalez filed a civil lawsuit against the three officers and their respective police departments , claiming negligence and reckless disregard for her safety .

The case culminated in an $8.5 million settlement in June 2024 , which will be split between the two police departments.

Additionally, two of the officers involved faced criminal charges , were convicted of misdemeanors, and have since been dismissed from their positions.

The post Well Deserved: Latino Woman Wins $8.5 Million Settlement After Being Hit by Train While Handcuffed in Police Car appeared first on Shine My Crown .