SEATTLE — The family of 23-year-old Jaahnavi Kandula is suing the City of Seattle over her death, alleging the police officer who struck and killed her with his police cruiser was "negligently hired" and "negligently retained."
Kandula's family is suing for $110,011,000, alleging the city is liable for the actions of officer Kevin Dave. The lawsuit follows a tort claim filed in March that was obtained by Publicola.
An investigation into the deadly collision on Jan. 23, 2023, found officer Dave should not face criminal charges. Instead, he received a traffic citation and a fine. According to court records, Dave and his attorney have filed paperwork to contest the traffic citation. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Sept. 24.
Kandula was hit and killed by Dave in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood while crossing the street. Dave was responding to an overdose call, driving upwards of 74 miles an hour, when he hit Kandula.
Kandula entered a crosswalk and she was seen in dash camera video running in the crosswalk moments before the deadly impact.
The lawsuit alleges that Dave was "speeding to what he knew to be a non-emergent 911 call." It also alleges he didn't activate his siren until approximately one second before striking Kandula and he failed to brake until just before hitting her.
The lawsuit alleges the intersection where the collision occurred - Dexter Avenue North and Thomas Street - had limited visibility for pedestrians due to concrete jersey barriers.
Comments about her death from another officer sparked outrage.
Officer Daniel Auderer was heard laughing and making callous comments about Kandula's death on bodycam video. Auderer has since been fired from the police department and has now filed a $20 million lawsuit against the city.