The family of a bystander who tragically lost his life during a police chase in Minneapolis in 2021 has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that dangerous pursuits are more prevalent in areas of the city with predominantly Black residents. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for the incident that occurred in July 2021.
The accident involved former Minneapolis police officer Brian Cummings, who pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide last year. Cummings was pursuing a suspected car thief when he ran a red light and collided with a vehicle driven by the victim, Leneal Frazier, who sadly passed away at the scene.
Reports indicate that Cummings was driving at nearly 80 mph with his siren and lights activated during the chase, which spanned over 20 blocks, including residential neighborhoods where the speed limit was 25 mph. The lawsuit highlights the concerning trend that dangerous police pursuits are more likely to occur in neighborhoods with a higher percentage of Black residents compared to predominantly white neighborhoods in Minneapolis.
Frazier, a father of six children, was the uncle of Darnella Frazier, who famously recorded the video of George Floyd's tragic death in 2020. The incident involving Cummings and Frazier has raised important questions about the risks and consequences of high-speed police chases, particularly in communities of color.
The city of Minneapolis has not yet responded to requests for comments on the lawsuit. The tragic loss of Leneal Frazier serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and reform in law enforcement practices to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, regardless of their race or background.
