Opinion ID: 1735503
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: the rate of speed of the officer in comparison to the posted speed limit.

Text: ¶ 78. Officer Tolbert testified that he was driving approximately 55 miles an hour, but had slowed down at the time of impact. The trial court found that Officer Tolbert was traveling 45 miles per hour at the time of the wreck. The posted speed limit was 45 miles an hour. Officer Tolbert never passed cars in order to increase his speed. ¶ 79. This factor weighs in favor of Officer Tolbert. ¶ 80. As stated above, the issue in this case is not whether Officer Tolbert was negligent in his two-minute pursuit of Evans. Nor is it whether his decision was grossly negligent. Stated differently, even if Officer Tolbert's decision to pursue Evans, and his other actions, were grossly negligent, the Legislature has provided the city and him immunity from civil liability. We must go beyond gross negligence and find that he acted with reckless disregard for the safety of others. Under the facts of this case, I cannot so find. Therefore, I would reverse and render the circuit court's judgment. For these reasons, I respectfully dissent. WALLER, P.J., AND EASLEY, J., JOIN THIS OPINION.