Oakland to Pay $12M to Motorcyclist Hit by Patrol Car
The City of Oakland, Calif., will pay $12 million to a motorcyclist who lost his leg after a police officer ran a red light in his patrol car.
Photo by Thi Dao
The City of Oakland, Calif., will pay $12 million to a motorcyclist who lost his leg after a police officer ran a red light in his patrol car. Oakland City Council approved the funds earlier this month, before the trial was scheduled to begin in July. To date, it is one of the city’s largest payouts ever, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
The incident took place in March 2017, according to city documents. The plaintiff, Elliott Van Fleet, sustained serious injuries after colliding with an Oakland police vehicle, including the amputation of his lower leg.
The East Bay Express reports that $3 million of the settlement will come from city funds, and $9 million will be covered by the city’s insurance carrier.
Related: LA Sheriff Pays $12M for Distracted Driving Collision
More Police
Rynse Expands Nationwide Fleet Wash Access for Law Enforcement
The North Carolina Sheriff’s Association Contract Cooperative purchasing contract aims to streamline procurement process for law enforcement agencies across the U.S.
Read More →
Maryland Natural Resources Police Adds 31-Foot Patrol Boat to Enforcement Fleet
A new addition to Maryland’s marine enforcement fleet is bringing expanded capabilities to Chesapeake Bay operations while honoring a legacy within the agency. The high-performance patrol vessel reflects how law enforcement fleets are adapting to growing demands on the water.
Read More →
LEHR Expands Florida Presence With Enforcement One Acquisition
LEHR has acquired Florida-based emergency vehicle upfitter Enforcement One, marking its eighth add-on acquisition.
Read More →
NYC Surpasses 1,000 EVs in Police Fleet
New York City now has the largest EV law enforcement fleet in North America, according to the city.
Read More →
Mooresville Police Department Launches Drone First Responder Program
The Mooresville Police Department has launched a Drone First Responder program, using drones to provide real-time aerial support and faster situational awareness during emergency calls.
Read More →
Culpeper Police Begin Rollout of New Patrol Car Fleet Design
The Culpeper Police Department has unveiled a new fleet design inspired by the Blue Ridge Mountains, selected through a department-wide process involving both sworn and civilian staff.
Read More →
City of Powell Uses Fleet Data Analysis to Reduce Vehicle Replacement Costs
Powell, Ohio, is using fleet data and lifecycle analysis to guide police vehicle purchases and replacement timing, a strategy expected to save the city nearly $400,000 over five years.
Read More →
Addressing Fueling Failures to Reduce Operational Risks
Working to eliminate errors and challenges and increase reliability during fueling, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office has implemented RoadFlex for its 37-vehicle patrol fleet.
Read More →
PUG: When Policing Goes Autonomous
How an uncrewed police ground vehicle is providing technical assistance to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office through a pilot program with the goal of supporting officers and reducing crime through increased marked police presence.
Read More →
Applications Open: 2026 Police Fleet Innovators Award
The Police Fleet Innovators Award is for fleet operations teams that have come up with innovative solutions to common problems in law enforcement fleets. Click for deadline details, plus an award FAQ.
Read More →