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Local residents urge commission to address police response after uninsured driver seriously injured cyclist
Summary
Two members of the De Groot family told the commission about a March 27, 2025 crash in which an uninsured driver allegedly was not cited and the family says police failed to obtain basic information; they urged the commission to push for systemic improvements in complaint handling.
During public comment on May 21 two residents, Joni and Hallie De Groot, described a March 27, 2025 bicycle collision that severely injured Joni's husband and said the driver was uninsured and apparently not cited.
Joni De Groot said the family had to hire private investigators to find the driver and filed a complaint with the police department and internal affairs. "We were the ones who found out that the driver was uninsured, that there was no current address information obtained," she said, and added that she had not received responsive engagement from department leadership.
Her relative, Hallie De Groot, said the lack of citation and the department's response had left her and her family shaken. "It's disgusting to me to know that someone could essentially... get away with this," she said, and said the incidents made her feel unsafe riding a bicycle in the city.
Chair Orth acknowledged the comments and staff confirmed the emailed comment in the packet would be entered into the public record. The commenters requested systemic action and improved responsiveness; the commission did not take immediate formal action at the meeting but the complaint was entered into the record and discussed by staff.
