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City to pay $720,000 to settle crash claim after officer ran red light, law department says
Summary
The Board of Estimates approved a $720,000 settlement in a civil claim arising from a June 17, 2023 collision in which a Baltimore Police Department officer struck another motorist, causing catastrophic injuries, the Law Department reported Feb. 5.
The Baltimore Board of Estimates on Feb. 5 approved a settlement agreement and release in the amount of $720,000 to resolve a claim filed by Dennis Freeman for injuries sustained in a 2023 traffic collision involving a Baltimore Police Department officer.
Stephen Salisbury, representing the Law Department, told the board the collision occurred June 17, 2023, when an officer responding to a reported stolen vehicle entered an intersection while operating with lights on but not sirens. "Preliminary investigation showed the officer had her lights on but not her sirens. She was traveling close to 40 miles per hour and did not even slow down as she approached the intersection," Salisbury said.
Salisbury said the plaintiff suffered catastrophic injuries, including the eventual amputation of his right leg, multiple surgeries on the left leg and a prolonged period out of work because his job required physical activity. "In light of the exposure from this case and in light of the significant damage the plaintiff suffered, the Law Department negotiated a settlement agreement and release in the amount of $720,000," Salisbury said.
Salisbury also described internal disciplinary steps. He said the Administrative Charging Committee recommended a five‑day suspension and a letter of reprimand. The officer’s driving privileges were revoked during the investigation and later reinstated; she was referred to enhanced driver training.
Board members asked whether risk management policies for city vehicle operators are applied consistently across agencies; Law Department representatives said there is the administrative manual provision that historically carved out the police and sheriff's offices but that discussions are underway about bringing police personnel more fully into city administrative frameworks. The Law Department committed to keep the board informed as risk management and police officials explore updated administrative manual language.
The Board approved the settlement by voice vote following a motion and second.
