Bystander severely burned after police chase sues city

<p>A severely burned bystander who allegedly was kicked and dragged by police after a high-speed car chase ended in a fiery crash is now suing the city where it occurred.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jul 6, 2018, 7:08 PM

Updated 2,119 days ago

Share:

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) - A severely burned bystander who allegedly was kicked and dragged by police after a high-speed car chase ended in a fiery crash is now suing the city where it occurred.
The lawsuit filed by Miguel Feliz-Rodriguez claims Jersey City police failed to safely handle the chase and assaulted him while he was on fire. The suit doesn't specify the amount of damages it seeks, but legal papers filed late last year said Felix-Rodriguez would be seeking up to $25 million.
Officers chased a man whose car resembled one used in a shooting, according to police. That car crashed, setting off a fire that engulfed a vehicle driven by Feliz-Rodriguez, a West New York resident who wasn't involved in the chase.
A video showed Feliz-Rodriguez exiting his car with his clothes on fire before being kicked by the officers.
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop called a press conference to address the crash days later.
"A reasonable person that looks at that video would say that those do not look like helping hands," Fulop said.
Jersey City officials have declined to discuss the matter, saying the city doesn't comment on ongoing litigation.
Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


More from News 12
0:51
Wildfire in Wharton State Forest consumes more than 400 acres of land

Wildfire in Wharton State Forest consumes more than 400 acres of land

1:56
Isolated storms tonight; freeze warning in effect for parts of NJ overnight

Isolated storms tonight; freeze warning in effect for parts of NJ overnight

2:54
Longtime Democratic US Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies at 65 following heart attack

Longtime Democratic US Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies at 65 following heart attack

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:56
Passaic to get $1.6M in federal funds to reduce flash flooding where 2 people died

Passaic to get $1.6M in federal funds to reduce flash flooding where 2 people died

2:56
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend New Jersey woman's life

Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend New Jersey woman's life

0:43
Jersey Proud: Manchester HS students teach older generation about tech

Jersey Proud: Manchester HS students teach older generation about tech

2:23
'The tower is an eyesore.' Demolition of former Nabisco factory tower set to begin after 1-year delay

'The tower is an eyesore.' Demolition of former Nabisco factory tower set to begin after 1-year delay

1:03
Rep. Gottheimer announces another attempt to put an end to NYC’s congestion pricing plan

Rep. Gottheimer announces another attempt to put an end to NYC’s congestion pricing plan

0:29
Former Wawa gas attendant accused of stealing thousands of dollars from customers

Former Wawa gas attendant accused of stealing thousands of dollars from customers

1:33
AAA: New Jersey gas prices increase nearly 20 cents from last week

AAA: New Jersey gas prices increase nearly 20 cents from last week

2:12
Princeton University accused of violating civil rights of Jewish students

Princeton University accused of violating civil rights of Jewish students

0:37
Prosecutors: Former Jersey City police officer charged with sex assault, criminal restraint

Prosecutors: Former Jersey City police officer charged with sex assault, criminal restraint

0:27
Washington Township police issues warning over 'Water Wars' game

Washington Township police issues warning over 'Water Wars' game

0:34
Camden County man charged in crash that killed young mother

Camden County man charged in crash that killed young mother

2:18
Remnants of bird flu virus found in pasteurized milk, FDA says

Remnants of bird flu virus found in pasteurized milk, FDA says

0:32
US banning TikTok? Your key questions answered

US banning TikTok? Your key questions answered

0:35
Bon Jovi docuseries premieres Friday on Hulu

Bon Jovi docuseries premieres Friday on Hulu

0:31
New federal rule would bar 'noncompete' agreements for most employees

New federal rule would bar 'noncompete' agreements for most employees

1:02
Composting can save money, help gardens and save the planet. Here are 10 tips to get you started

Composting can save money, help gardens and save the planet. Here are 10 tips to get you started