Seattle Police Officer Fired for Fatally Hitting Indian Student with Patrol Car
Seattle Police Officer Fired for Killing Indian Student in Tragic Accident
In a tragic incident that occurred in January 2023, Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula was killed when a Seattle police officer struck her with a patrol vehicle while she was crossing a street. The officer, identified as Kevin Dave, was driving at a high speed of 74 mph (more than 119 km/h) while responding to a drug overdose call.
Firing of the Officer
Recently, Interim Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr announced that Officer Kevin Dave has been fired from the Seattle Police Department. This decision came after an investigation by the Seattle Office of Police Accountability found that Dave had violated four department policies. Chief Rahr stated that while she believed Dave did not intend to harm anyone, his reckless driving led to the tragic loss of life, bringing discredit to the department.
Controversial Comments and Actions
Following Kandula’s death, another Seattle police officer, Daniel Auderer, faced consequences for his insensitive comments and behavior. Bodycam footage revealed Auderer laughing and making callous remarks after the fatal accident. His actions, including belittling Kandula’s value, were met with severe criticism. The King County Prosecutor’s Office declined to pursue criminal charges against Dave, but he was issued a traffic infraction of USD 5,000.
Consulate General of India’s Involvement
The Consulate General of India in Seattle has been actively involved in seeking justice for Jaahnavi Kandula. They have been liaising with law enforcement authorities and providing support to Kandula’s family representatives. The Consulate has pledged to continue monitoring the case’s progress and ensuring that justice is served for Kandula and her family.
Moving Forward
The tragic incident involving Jaahnavi Kandula has brought attention to the importance of upholding safety protocols and accountability within law enforcement agencies. The actions of the officers involved have highlighted the need for better training and oversight to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The community and authorities must work together to ensure that such incidents are not repeated and that justice is served for the victims and their families.