KIRO NEWSRADIO: SEATTLE NEWS & ANALYSIS

Seattle officer who hit Kandula agrees to $5,000 fine as part of negligent driving penalty

Dec 18, 2024, 6:29 PM | Updated: 6:46 pm

Dashcam video....

Dashcam video from the night Jaahnavi Kandula was struck. (Seattle Police Department)

(Seattle Police Department)

A Seattle Police Department (SPD) officer has agreed to pay a $5,000 fine as part of a penalty tied to hitting and killing a 23-year-old woman walking through a South Lake Union crosswalk in January 2023.

Officials said SPD Officer Kevin Dave was responding alongside the Seattle Fire Department to a 911 call of a reported overdose. Dave had been driving at 74 miles per hour before striking Jaahnvi Kandula in the Dexter Avenue and Thomas Street crosswalk, according to an SPD investigation. Investigators confirmed the officer’s lights were flashing and the siren was being toggled on and off as he approached the intersection.

Civilian-led Police Accountability: Seattle cop Auderer violated policy with bodycam-captured comments

The agreement, filed Wednesday in Seattle Municipal Court, comes more than 9 months after City Attorney Ann Davison’s office filed the charge of second-degree negligent driving against Dave.

“This is frustrating for a lot of people,” said Mark Lindquist, a former prosecutor for Pierce County who now runs his own private law firm. “They’re wondering, ‘How do you kill someone and walk away with just a fine?’ The answer is that the city can’t charge felonies.”

Previous coverage: Seattle attorney’s office files citation regarding officer who killed Jaahnavi Kandula

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office previously decided not to charge Dave with a crime. The prosecuting attorney said there was no evidence he drove with disregard for the safety of others.

“The city charged the highest crime it could – negligent driving – and collected the highest fine it could — $5,000,” he said. “That’s all the city can really do.”

More details: Prosecutors will not charge Seattle officer in death of Jaahnavi Kandula

Lindquist described the court’s filing as Dave pleading guilty or “no contest” to the traffic infraction.

In addition to the fine, Dave will have to avoid any serious traffic offenses for one year – such as any moving violations that cause a crash, DUI or reckless driving. But his license will not be suspended, as once was threatened by the city, so long as he fulfills his side of the agreement. He will have to complete what the court records refer to as an “8-hour traffic safety course.”

“For a police officer, that class is a bit of a joke,” Lindquist remarked.

He criticized the agreement, saying it will “baffle” much of the public, but he suggested Kandula’s family could later see justice through a civil lawsuit.

Sam Campbell is a reporter, editor and anchor at KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of Sam’s stories here. Follow Sam on X, or email him here.

KIRO Newsradio: Seattle News & Analysis

Photo: The man, who Seattle police have not named, walking onto the ice rink at the Kraken Communit...

Sam Campbell

Seattle police to recommend assault charges for dad who shoved youth hockey refs

A father will likely face assault charges after he shoved two youth hockey referees, according to an SPD report.

59 minutes ago

Photo: Gee Scott roasted Velveeta cheese ahead of Super Bowl Sunday....

Frank Lenzi

‘Your food is unseasoned’: Gee Scott roasts Velveeta lovers ahead of Super Bowl Sunday

If you’re looking for a Super Bowl Party where the hosts are serving Velveeta, you won’t find it at Gee Scott's house.

3 days ago

Photo: Seattle Children's Hospital is one hospital impacted by Trump's executive order blocking fed...

Julia Dallas

‘It’s disgusting’: WA Attorney General’s Office sparks legal battle against Trump order on gender-affirming care

The AG's Office announced it is filing a lawsuit to stop an executive order from the Trump administration that halts federal funding for gender-affirming care.

3 days ago

Photo: Sweden's Martin Haarahiltunen in red is riding inside Finland's Max Koivula and Austria's Fr...

Paul Holden

Weekend festivities: Undie run, pinball, ice racing and more!

Maybe you've been stuck inside this week enjoying the snow and are ready to get out and enjoy the weekend, well you are in luck!

4 days ago

Photo: Seattle Sounders FC fans cheers for his team at the stadium during the match between Toronto...

Matt Markovich

A fart tax? State lawmaker suggests sports fans pay up for methane emissions

A Republican lawmaker made an unusual suggestion during a public hearing Thursday on a bill that could lead to a fart tax on cows.

4 days ago

Photo: A cell in the King County Jail can be seen in a recent photo....

Matt Markovich

Justice vs. safety: Washington lawmakers clash over sentencing reform bill

A bill advanced in Olympia that may lead to a floor vote on one of the most significant law and justice bills of this session. It involves sentencing reform.

4 days ago

Seattle officer who hit Kandula agrees to $5,000 fine as part of negligent driving penalty