The Kentucky Supreme Court has ruled that police can be sued for damages when their car chases lead to the death or injury of third parties.
The Lexington Herald-Leader reports the court's 6-1 ruling on Thursday overturned a 1952 decision that had granted police blanket immunity. The ruling will align Kentucky practice with that of most other states where juries are allowed to decide whether police are at fault.
In the case at hand, the children of Luis Gonzalez will be allowed to sue the Scott County sheriff and a deputy for damages related to their father's death.
Gonzalez died in 2014 when a suspected drug dealer crashed head-on into his vehicle during a chase.
Attorney Barry Stilz, representing the sheriff's office, said they are disappointed with the ruling.
