DALLAS, Texas – The family of 20-year-old Aresly Jaramillo intends to sue the Dallas Police Department for wrongful death after she was hit and killed by a squad car on its way to a call last Monday, according to the family’s attorney.
The official announcement will be made on Wednesday morning at a press conference held near the accident site at 8700 Elam Rd. by Jaramillo’s family. According to the Dallas Police Department, the officer was driving east on Elam in a marked squad car, responding to a report without lights or sirens engaged.
A Dallas Police Department official said on Tuesday that the investigation into the collision is still ongoing. However, early information indicates that Jaramillo was standing in the median near the intersection of Elam Road and Cedarcliff Drive when she attempted to cross the street.
Police said Jaramillo “ran in front of two vehicles trying to turn left onto Cedarcliff Drive, and into the far-left lane where the officer was driving” before being hit.
The officer stopped and helped Jaramillo, but he died in the hospital.
Jaramillo had recently graduated from Concord College, her mother informed WFAA last week. She was delighted about working as a physical therapist for children and the elderly.
There are some unknowns surrounding the accident, such as the officer’s speed and the dash cam footage.
Attorney Jack Kovar, who represents the family, told WFAA that he and the family had reviewed the film and would share some of it at the press conference.
“We’ll speak to the details of exactly what happened in the accident,” Mr. Kovar said. “All I can say is that there will undoubtedly be changes to the community. Aresly was an incredible young woman, and this is a unique case. While we cannot undo what occurred to her, it is our responsibility to ensure that it does not happen to anyone else.”
A spokeswoman for the Dallas Police Department provided the following statement to WFAA:
“While we do not discuss current litigation, this is a tragedy for Ms. Jaramillo, her family, and our department. There is dash camera footage and still photos of the incident; but, to respect Ms. Jaramillo and her family, the department will not release it to the public.”