TULSA, Okla. (AP) - The family of an 18-year-old motorcyclist who died trying to avoid a Tulsa County deputy’s SUV has filed a lawsuit, alleging a negligent U-turn caused the fatal crash.
Cobie Tyner of Oakhurst died May 14, the Tulsa World reported. Deputy Andrew Titsworth performed the U-turn to go after another motorcyclist who was clocked at 102 mph in a 50 mph zone.
The lawsuit filed Tuesday alleges Titsworth was reckless by failing to look for oncoming motorists, as well as executing the maneuver. It names Titsworth, Sheriff Vic Regalado and the Board of County Commissioners.
“Defendant Titsworth negligently and recklessly pulled across a double yellow line, into oncoming traffic giving Cobie Tyner no time to slow down,” the lawsuit alleges.
The lawsuit also alleges that Titsworth was negligent to Tyner after the crash. Lisa Reyna, a motorist that Tyner slid into, has said that the deputy “came and looked at the boy,” but didn’t get help.
“He never rendered aid to anyone,” Reyna said. “He never came to ask me or my son if we were ok.”
A Highway Patrol investigation found Tyner took “improper evasive action” when he used the motorcycle’s rear brake. The investigation report alleges the move caused the rear wheel to “track outside of the front, causing the motorcycle to fall over and slide into the deputy’s vehicle.
Prosecutors didn’t pursue charges against the Tulsa County deputy, citing insufficient evidence for negligent homicide.
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Information from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com
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