April 18, 2012
A bizarre twist occurred in the case of an Indianapolis Metro police officer who struck and seriously injured a couple on their motorcycle with his police cruiser. According to the Indianapolis Star News, vials of blood showing the officer was drunk at the time of the accident have been ruined by the department.
Documents indicate that on August 6, 2010, the man and woman were stopped at a red light on their motorcycle. While waiting for the light to change, the couple and their friend on another bike were struck by the officer’s patrol car, killing their friend and leaving them seriously injured. Both the man and woman had to undergo numerous reconstructive surgeries and months of rehabilitation. The male victim also suffered a brain injury, which has affected his cognitive abilities.
The officer’s blood was drawn following the accident, but a judge dismissed the first sample after it was discovered that it was taken by an unauthorized individual. On Tuesday, it was announced that the other vial of blood had been mishandled by being left outside of a refrigerator and was no longer viable for testing.
The chief of police has stepped down from his position and several other officers and officials have been placed on leave.
The Indianapolis Motorcycle Injury Attorneys with Stewart and Stewart Attorneys At Law would like to remind bikers to stay safe by always wearing helmets and high visibility clothing.