Update on Nashville Officer killed by Motorhome

It did get posted back in November and the topic was quickly closed down. I feel for the guy and what he's going through, but I think the evidence is pretty clear the motorhome driver was in the wrong. And then he made some statements right after the accident he probably shouldn't have made trying to blame others. That's a time when it's best to remain silent. I seriously doubt his punishment will be severe. I can't see a judge sending him to jail.

msmith1199 wrote:
It did get posted back in November and the topic was quickly closed down. I feel for the guy and what he's going through, but I think the evidence is pretty clear the motorhome driver was in the wrong. And then he made some statements right after the accident he probably shouldn't have made trying to blame others. That's a time when it's best to remain silent. I seriously doubt his punishment will be severe. I can't see a judge sending him to jail.

Yep it was pretty clear the driver was going way too fast for the traffic conditions. He was also so inattentive or reckless that he didn't see or heed flashing lights from all manner of emergency vehicles on the scene. His excuses of a "blind curve" were clearly BS, especially to anyone who is familiar with the area.

I expect he will get a revoked license and probation. He clearly is not responsible/competent enough to be driving, much less driving a large motor home.

Not only did he not slow for the flashing lights, he admitted to seeing a freeway warning sign that said "Right Lane Closed Ahead" and tried to claim that the accident would have been prevented if the sign said "Two Right Lanes Closed Ahead." When a sign says that a lane is closed ahead, that's a pretty good indication you better slow down and start paying attention. And yeah, that was no blind curve. There are no blind curves on an interstate.

All you need is a drivers license and a credit card to own and get behind the wheel of a large Class A and drive away. I've seen enough over the years to know there are RV'ers out there that need to hang the keys up but won't.

Thanks for the update.

seems they should have had a trial by now.

My only comment is they charged him with "reckless" not "negligent" homicide. Big difference. Negligent carries a minimum of ONE year while reckless' minimum is TWO years. Seems like failure to move over or slow down would be negligent. I'm still of the opinion he had some other "issue" such as overweight or overlength that they felt contributed to the crash. Guess we'll learn if it ever goes to trial....Dennis

That gives the prosecutor some wiggle room for a plea deal which is I'm sure what you'll see here. A plea to negligent homicide, lengthy probation, and revocation of his drivers license.

All they need to do is revoke his driver's license to get him off the road and find him guilty of careless driving. No need for jail time.
Set probation to insure he doesn't get behind the wheel again and then let the civil courts determine the financial punishment and restitution for the officer's family.

The guy knowingly drives recklessly/negligently (pick one, it doesn't matter), causes a crash, kills another human being, and he shouldn't go to jail? This was not something beyond his control. He chose his behavior, and as a result of that behavior, there is now a wife without a husband, children without a father, and the guy that caused the whole thing should get a walk?

Lock him up.