Connect with us

Seattle, WA

Seattle police officer fired for fatally hitting graduate student with car

Published

on

Seattle police officer fired for fatally hitting graduate student with car


A Seattle police officer who hit and killed a graduate student from India with his vehicle while responding to an overdose call in January 2023 has been fired, Seattle’s interim police chief announced Monday.

Interim police chief Sue Rahr wrote in an email to employees that she fired Kevin Dave after the Seattle Office of Police Accountability determined he had violated four department policies, including one requiring officers to be responsible for safely operating a patrol vehicle, in connection with the death of Jaahnavi Kandula, according to The Seattle Times.

“I believe the officer did not intend to hurt anyone that night and that he was trying to get to a possible overdose victim as quickly as possible,” Rahr wrote.

2 DEAD AFTER SEARCH FOR SASQUATCH IN WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST

Advertisement

A photo of Jaahnavi Kandula is displayed with flowers, Jan. 29, 2023, in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)

“However, I cannot accept the tragic consequences of his dangerous driving,” she continued. “His positive intent does not mitigate the poor decision that caused the loss of a human life and brought discredit to the Seattle Police Department.”

Rahr’s announcement comes nearly a year after King County prosecutors announced they had declined to file felony charges against Dave due to insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Dave was consciously disregarding safety when he struck and killed Kandula.

The Seattle City Attorney’s Office later issued Dave a $5,000 citation for negligent driving.

The Seattle City Attorney’s Office issued Dave a $5,000 citation for negligent driving. (iStock)

Advertisement

City prosecutors said Dave was driving as fast as 74 mph on a street with a 25-mph speed limit before hitting Kandula. Dave initially contested the ticket before recently agreeing to pay the fine, complete an eight-hour traffic safety course within a year and perform 40 hours of community service by Sept. 30.

Kandula’s death sparked outrage in the U.S. and India, particularly after another officer’s body-worn camera footage was made public. In the recording, that officer, Daniel Auderer, laughed and suggested Kandula’s life had “limited value” and the city should “just write a check.”

Diplomats from India called for an investigation and Seattle’s civilian watchdog found the comments by Auderer, who was a union leader, damaged the police department’s reputation and undermined public trust.

WASHINGTON STATE TEENS CHARGED AS ADULTS IN GANG-LINKED STABBING OF BOY, 14, WHO WAS TIED TO TREE, CUT OPEN

City prosecutors said Dave was driving as fast as 74 mph on a street with a 25-mph speed limit before hitting Kandula. (Seattle Police Department / File)

Advertisement

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Auderer was eventually fired over the comments.

Kandula’s family has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Dave and the city, alleging that Kandula experienced severe emotional distress, pain and suffering before dying from her injuries. The family said it was asking for $110 million in damages, plus $11,000. The lawsuit is scheduled to go to trial in September.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.



Source link

Advertisement

Seattle, WA

Around 200 protest fatal ICE shooting in front of Seattle’s federal building

Published

on

Around 200 protest fatal ICE shooting in front of Seattle’s federal building


There were at least 200 protesters that showed up in Seattle Wednesday night in what speakers called an “emergency protest” in response to the fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis Wednesday.

“We want justice, we want peace, we want justice, we want peace, we want ICE off our streets, we want ice off our streets…” they chanted.

Advertisement
Seattle protest on fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis

Seattle protesters outside the Federal Building following a fatal shooting by ICE agents in Minneapolis. (FOX 13 Seattle)

After listening to speakers, protesters went on the march and circled the blocks near the Federal Building in Seattle.

Though the protest was organized on short notice, some protesters say they were compelled to come out Wednesday with urgency because they felt what happened in Minneapolis was a bridge too far.

Advertisement

What they’re saying:

“ICE has gone too far. We’ve felt this, we’ve known this for a long time. There have been people protesting,” said Raleigh Watts, protesting the ICE shooting. “We’ve been hearing the news. Today I came out because when I heard, it was my sign that a line has been crossed that I can’t stand anymore. So, I’ve come to say, ‘No ICE, you’ve gone too far’.”

Advertisement

“A lot of people out here are really, really angry, confused and sad, but I think we have what it takes to fight back,” said Sophia Van Beek, protesting the MN ICE shooting. “I’m certain there are going to be actions.”

Sophia says in order to make a difference, protesters need to create an actionable political program.

Seattle protest on fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis

Seattle protest on fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis

Advertisement

Members of law enforcement were in the area and helped to block off the streets during the protest and march. There were no clashes during this protest and it wrapped up at around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. 

“I am proud of all the hundreds of people who have turned out tonight at the federal building in Seattle. I’m proud of the people who are in Tacoma that are protesting at the ice detention center and in Minneapolis and in cities across the country. This is not okay for ICE to kill somebody,” said Watts.

Advertisement

What’s next:

Some people at Wednesday’s demonstration said they were planning to organize more protests in the coming weeks.

MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE

Advertisement

New Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson talks homelessness, police tensions and World Cup countdown

Seattle leaders combat ‘misinformation’, say open-air drug use still means arrests

Here’s everything to know about the 2026 Super Bowl

Advertisement

Seattle ranks as the best US city for keeping New Year’s resolutions in 2026, data shows

WA trooper struck, injured in multi-car crash on SR 512

Advertisement

To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.

Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.

The Source: Information in this story came from original FOX 13 Seattle reporting and interviews.

Advertisement

SeattleNewsImmigrationMinnesota



Source link

Continue Reading

Seattle, WA

Seattle groups join national protest against ICE raids following Minneapolis shooting

Published

on

Seattle groups join national protest against ICE raids following Minneapolis shooting


Seattle activists are rallying to demand justice on Wednesday following the fatal shooting of a woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis.

The Seattle Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (SAARPR) and Seattle Against War (SAW) have organized an emergency press conference to protest the incident.

The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle.

Woman killed by ICE officers in Minneapolis; Mayor tells ICE to ‘get the f***’ out

Advertisement

The shooting occurred on Wednesday morning at the corner of 34th and Portland Avenue in Minneapolis. According to preliminary information, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said, the woman was sitting in her vehicle blocking the roadway when a federal law enforcement officer approached on foot. When the vehicle began to drive away, at least two shots were fired, and the vehicle crashed on the side of the road.

In response, emergency protests have erupted in Minneapolis and are expected to continue through Jan. 11.

The Seattle groups are joining the Legalization 4 All Network in calling for an immediate end to ICE raids and mass deportations.

They are also demanding justice and accountability for the woman who was killed, including the release of the name of the ICE agent involved and the names of all agents participating in such operations.

This is a developing story; check back for updates.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Seattle, WA

PREVIEW: Quilt-art show and sale at Thursday’s West Seattle Art Walk

Published

on

PREVIEW: Quilt-art show and sale at Thursday’s West Seattle Art Walk


This month’s West Seattle Art Walk on Thursday will feature a type of art that’s not often seen during the monthly event – quilt art! We received the photos and announcement this afternoon from Jill Boone:

Advertisement

The Contemporary QuiltArt Association is featured at Windermere in the Junction this Thursday for the Art Walk. We are doing a big inventory reduction sale and handmade, creative fiber art pieces will be available in a huge price range. We will have handmade cards for $5/ each and matted art that are 5×7 and 12 x 12 pieces from $10 to $200. In addition, four of our member artists will have their art quilts for sale and they are stunning! We hope people will come shop and also stop in to talk with some of our members about CQA, as we are a vibrant and welcoming group of artists – beginners to world renowned!

Windermere is at 4526 California SW; this show is set for 5-8 pm Thursday (January 8). See the full list/map of this month’s Art Walk venues by going here!





Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending