In a shocking case that has drawn national outrage, a woman who was handcuffed inside a police vehicle that was parked on railroad tracks — and then struck by a moving train — has been awarded an $8.5 million settlement.
The terrifying incident unfolded when officers detained the woman during a traffic stop and placed her in the back of a patrol car. Unbelievably, the vehicle was parked directly on active train tracks. Moments later, a freight train barreled toward the car, slamming into it with devastating force.
Miraculously, the woman survived, but she suffered severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and long-term physical and emotional scars.
Legal experts say the settlement reflects the gravity of the police negligence involved, as well as the life-altering impact on the victim. The case has sparked renewed calls for police accountability, training reforms, and stricter safety protocols to prevent such horrifying mistakes in the future.
The woman’s attorney stated, “This was completely avoidable. No one should ever be put in harm’s way like this while in police custody.”
The police department involved has not commented publicly on the settlement but has confirmed that multiple officers are under internal review.