Chris Cooper’s family have settled their case against the Independence Police Department. In November 2007 Chris was killed by Wilfredo Puljols, who was fleeing from a police chase and hit Chris on his bicycle. Pujols is currently serving a 15 year sentence at the Crossroads Correctional Center in Cameron, MO.
Chris’ death is one of several instances where the IPD has been criticized for a lack of restraint in high speed chases. A similar case led to reform of the KCMO Police Department’s pursuit policies. In 2003 cyclist Toni Sena was struck in Waldo by a criminal being chased by police. Local cyclists worked with the KCPD to craft a new pursuit policy that has become a model for the nation. Hopefully Independence and our other suburban neighbors will follow the lead of KCPD and reform their policies.
KC Star Crime Scene: Independence settles in police pursuit death.
KCBike.Info’s previous coverage of the Chris Cooper crash.
Kansas City’s model pursuit policy (Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation).
