What happened to Officer Christopher Moulton?

Officer Christopher Moulton was cleared of criminal charges in the crash that killed Gerald Neal, an innocent bystander in Orlando.

Who was Dornell Bargnare and what is he charged with?

Dornell Bargnare is the suspect who fled from police, striking Gerald Neal before the police pursuit. Bargnare has been charged with leaving the scene of the crash involving Neal's death, and could face additional charges.

Why did prosecutors decide not to charge Officer Moulton?

Prosecutors determined that under the Orlando Police Department's pursuit policy, Officer Moulton was authorized to chase the fleeing suspect, Dornell Bargnare, and his actions did not rise to the level of criminal charges.

Home / Crime and Justice / Officer Cleared in Crash that Killed Innocent Bystander

Officer Cleared in Crash that Killed Innocent Bystander

14 Nov

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Summary

New evidence shows suspect hit victim first before police pursuit
Officer acted within policy during chase, prosecutors say
Suspect faces charges for leaving the scene of the fatal crash

Officer Cleared in Crash that Killed Innocent Bystander

In a tragic incident that occurred last February, an Orlando Police officer will not face criminal charges for his involvement in a crash that killed an innocent bystander. According to a newly released decision memo from the State Attorney's Office, the evidence shows the suspect, Dornell Bargnare, struck 42-year-old Gerald Neal before the officer, Christopher Moulton, unknowingly drove over Neal during the pursuit.

Prosecutors emphasized that under the Orlando Police Department's pursuit policy, Moulton was authorized to chase the fleeing suspect, exceed the speed limit, and drive through stop signs and red lights. While the "moral question" of whether the chase should have happened is separate from the legal threshold, the State Attorney's Office ultimately determined they could not prove criminal charges against the officer.