Florida couple visiting Scottsdale relives being hit by police officer

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) – It’s a crash that also haunts an out-of-state couple who was visiting the Valley. “Each time I am going to a pink mild the very first thing, I do is look within the rear view mirror and ensure the man behind me is stopping,” stated Dan Stites.

A fast journey to Scottsdale from Florida took a flip final November when Dan and Jessica Stites had been hit arduous in a automobile whereas stopped at an intersection. “Fairly extreme sufficient my Apple Watch truly dialed 911 straight away. The ache in my again was so unhealthy I didn’t even notice till the emergency personnel helped me get out of the automobile that I had a damaged ankle, stated Dan.

The one who crashed into the couple was an officer, Michael Lanouar, from Scottsdale PD. The revaluation grew to become extra stunning to the couple once they realized the toxicology report for Lanouar got here again with greater than double the authorized restrict for alcohol. “How do you react to that. Who thinks that’s ever going to occur to you,” stated Jessica. “We don’t journey and anticipate that it’s going to be the police that finally ends up inflicting you hurt I feel that’s the half that basically will get to you.”

Lanouar is now not an officer with the Scottsdale police division. Within the police report, an officer questioned Lanouar, who stated he was off obligation on the time, driving an unmarked unit. One other officer investigated the pub Lanouar got here from, the place they discovered he had a number of drinks.

He was taken into custody following the crash and was just lately charged with a number of felonies. “The explanation it grew to become a felony case is due to the victims accidents if the victims have extreme accidents like damaged bones which that’s the case in that state of affairs than town will push it to the state or county and make it a crimson case,” John Kelly the lawyer representing Dan and Jessica.

Whereas nonetheless shaken up, Jessica and Dan are hopeful Scottsdale police will take motion. “It’s only one particular person within the police division, however I actually hope they make an instance out of it so it doesn’t occur once more,” stated Jessica.

The couple has filed a declare in opposition to the Metropolis of Scottsdale. Lanouar is charged with aggravated assault and endangerment.

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