A Colorado woman was awarded an $8 million settlement after she was struck by a train while in police custody in September 2022.
Yareni Rios-Gonzalez, then 20, was pulled over for suspected road rage involving a firearm by Platteville Police officers.
The cops parked their cruiser just behind Rios-Gonzalez’s car, on the railroad tracks.
Two Fort Lupton officers then intervened, detaining Rios-Gonzalez, cuffed her, and placed her in the back of the Platteville police car.
“While the officers cleared the suspect vehicle as part of the investigation, a train traveling northbound struck the PPD patrol car,” the Colorado Bureau of Investigations said.
The train barreled towards the cruiser where Rios-Gonzalez sat helpless as she heard horns blaring announcing the oncoming train.
The officers were unable to free the detainee in time and she was struck by the train.
She survived the ordeal with a skull fracture and numerous broken bones.
On Wednesday, Rios-Gonzalez was awarded an $8 million settlement after she sued the city of Fort Lupton and the town of Platteville.
“The Town apologizes to Ms. Rios for what occurred to her in September 2022,” Platteville Police Chief Carl Dwyer said,
“The Department remains committed to providing the best service possible for all who reside, visit, and travel through our community.”
Two officers were convicted of misdemeanors and terminated in connection to the incident.
