News Summary
The Orlando community is mourning the loss of Gerald Neal, a bystander who died during a high-speed police chase on February 12. The tragic incident has sparked calls for transparency from the police regarding the chase that ended in a deadly collision. Neal’s family and attorney are demanding accountability and the release of body-camera footage, as they seek answers in the wake of this heartbreaking event.
Orlando Community In Shock After High-Speed Police Chase Claims an Innocent Life
The charming city of Orlando has been hit with a wave of sadness and confusion following a tragic incident that unfolded on February 12. Gerald Neal, a 56-year-old bystander, lost his life during a high-speed police chase, leaving his family and the community in desperate need of answers and a call for transparency from the Orlando Police Department.
A Chase That Went Terribly Wrong
It all kicked off when Officer Christopher Moulton initiated a pursuit due to a suspect’s unreadable license plate. This chase didn’t last long—just less than a mile—before a disastrous collision occurred at the intersection of Rio Grande Avenue and Indiana Street. Witnesses now share concerns that they did not see any police lights or hear sirens coming from Moulton’s vehicle as the chase was happening, something that directly conflicts with the official statements.
As fate would have it, Neal was sitting at the corner of that intersection when he was tragically struck by not just the suspect’s vehicle but also the police vehicle. Family members have stated that after the crash, Neal was pinned beneath Moulton’s unmarked car, a heartbreaking detail that has left many reeling.
A Fight for Information
To add to the grief, the autopsy results regarding Neal’s cause of death are still pending. Neal’s family is not staying silent; they are seeking transparency and accountability from the police regarding the events that led to this heart-wrenching accident. Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family, is leading the charge, demanding that body-camera footage and other relevant records be released to the public for better understanding.
The Orlando Police Department has stated that Moulton’s vehicle was not equipped with a dashcam, and as a result, the body-worn camera footage will only be available once the Florida Highway Patrol completes its investigation. This delay has further fueled the family’s call for a swift and transparent resolution.
The Aftermath of the Crash
Once the crash occurred, the suspect Dornell Bargnare fled on foot but was quickly apprehended nearby. He now faces several charges, including aggravated fleeing and resisting arrest. However, questions linger: was the police pursuit really necessary, and at what cost?
The family did not hold back, citing a history of questionable vehicle pursuits by the Orlando Police Department. Crump pointed out a past incident where another innocent life, Delmy Alvarez, was lost due to a police chase, prompting a broader conversation about the safety of these high-speed pursuits.
A Community in Mourning
Neal’s daughter, Shaquail Neal, is understandably heartbroken over the loss of her father, who was not just a figure in their family but also a beloved member of the community. He was known for his culinary talents and had made the difficult decision to live on the streets as a way to cope with a series of tragic losses he experienced before his untimely passing. His funeral is scheduled for March in Apopka, where friends and family will gather to celebrate his life and memory.
Next Steps for Orlando Police
In the wake of this incident, the Orlando Police Department is conducting an internal investigation. This will happen in conjunction with findings from the Florida Highway Patrol, a process that can often feel cumbersome for families seeking clarity and justice. The community watches closely as they await news—hoping for honesty and accountability in what has become a heart-wrenching tale of loss.
The call for transparency continues to resonate throughout Orlando. People are reminding each other that while law enforcement aims to protect the community, it’s vital they do so without sacrificing innocent lives in the process.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: Famed Attorney Crump Retained by Family
- Fox 35 Orlando: Ben Crump News Conference on Orlando Police Chase
- Click Orlando: Ben Crump Holds News Conference After Fatal Crash
- Wikipedia: Police Chase
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Policing
