A Cop Was Distracted by the Computer in His Squad Car—Then He Struck and Killed a Cyclist
75-year-old Michael Thomas Ghione was out for a bike ride in West Goshen Township in Pennsylvania last month when Officer Jason S. Listmeier struck him from behind, killing him instantly. Now, Listmeier has been arrested and charged with several crimes including careless driving causing an unintentional death. He was in his squad car when he struck Ghione, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death was later determined to be multiple blunt impact injures.
The incident happened on February 19 at 10:16 a.m. After striking Ghione while reportedly driving 55 mph in a 45 mph zone, Listmeier stopped and attempted to render first aid, but Ghione succumbed to his injuries. Patch.com reports that at the time of the incident, Listmeier was driving without lights or sirens on, and was looking at his dashboard work computer, which distracted him and caused him to lose control.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the 24-year-old officer has been charged with careless driving-unintentional death, driving on roadways laned for traffic, and overtaking a vehicle on the left. Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan made a statement listing the charges.
According to Patch.com, Ryan added: “While in the course of his duties, the officer responded to the report of an erratic driver but engaged in careless driving, causing him to strike a guardrail and then strike and kill Mr. Ghione.” She called the incident tragic, and added that while police are expected to respond to urgent calls, they still must adhere to traffic laws and keep safety of others as their top priority.
The Inquirer noted that the Westtown-East Goshen Police office that employs Listmeier “declined to comment on the charges and would not answer when asked whether Listmeier still worked with the department.” Listmeier has been part of the department for less than a year.
Ghione is survived by three siblings.
You Might Also Like
