Family of Woman Slain in 2016 Police Chase Sues Danbury, Cop

DANBURY, CT — The family of a 26-year old woman killed two years ago in car chase with a Danbury police officer is suing the city and the former police officer involved in the chase.

The wrongful death lawsuit was filed Thursday in U.S. district court in New Haven by Timothy Fitzgerald on behalf of the estate of his daughter Tiffany. The suit claims that former Danbury officer Jamie Hodge should never have chased the stolen vehicle through the city. The chase started downtown, and ended on Mountainville Road when the stolen Ford Explorer rolled over and Fitzgerald was killed when her body ws thrown from the vehicle.

The lawsuit accuses Hodge of acting recklessly and violating department policy and laws when he chased the SUV in his personal vehicle. The lawsuit also includes claims for excessive and unreasonable force in violation of the Fourth Amendment and unconstitutional custom, policy or practice; negligence; negligent use of highway; and reckless operation/indemnification.

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According to court records, investigators say Hodge was "operating his personal vehicle at a rate of speed as to endanger the life of any person other than the operator" while attempting to investigate the crash. Hodge told investigators he was working a private construction zone when he noticed a driver who he believed resembled someone who had warrants out for his arrest. According to the Waterbury Superior Court clerk’s office, Hodge pleaded guilty to traveling unreasonably fast and not obeying a traffic light. He paid $347 in fines and his case was disposed in April.

The driver, Ricardo S. Andre, 33, of Danbury, was charged with first degree manslaughter in May and later found guilty and sentenced to 11 years in prison. He will only serve six years of that, with three years on probation.

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