In a tragic incident, King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion declined to file felony charges against Seattle police Officer Kevin Dave, who fatally struck Jaahnavi Kandula with his police cruiser while responding to a call in January 2023.
The decision was based on a lack of sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Officer Dave was impaired, driving recklessly, or driving with disregard for the safety of others.
According to Manion’s statement, Officer Dave was responding to a request for help for a man overdosing when the incident occurred. He slowed down at intersections and used his sirens to alert pedestrians and drivers.
However, he was driving at 74 mph in a 25 mph zone when he struck Kandula, though he was breaking and going 63 mph at the moment of impact. Kandula, who was crossing the intersection at the same time, was thrown more than 100 feet and died at a nearby hospital.
Witnesses reported hearing police sirens and seeing lights, but it was unclear if Kandula noticed them, as she was wearing dark clothing.
The case was referred to the Seattle Police Department, which in turn referred it to the city attorney’s office for review of misdemeanor charges for “operating a motor vehicle in a negligent manner – vulnerable user victim.”
The incident underscores the challenges and complexities surrounding cases involving law enforcement officers and the legal standards required for filing charges in such situations.
