Comment on Sullivan settles officer-involved wreck lawsuit for $150,000

BLOUNTVILLE — The driver and two passengers of a car struck by an on-duty Sullivan County deputy last year have settled their $900,000 lawsuits against Sullivan County for $150,000. County Attorney Dan Street confirmed to the Times News that the case is officially closed now that a judge has approved the portion of the $150,000 meant as settlement for a minor hurt in the wreck. “We admitted liability,” Street said, adding it is the first time in his memory that he’s done so in his years defending the county in such cases. The officer’s cruiser’s dash camera was rolling at the time of the wreck and what it showed was a major factor in the county’s admission of liability and willingness to negotiate a settlement, Street said. “He didn’t even brake,” Street said, noting the video showed the officer was doing between 60 and 65 miles per hour — above the posted speed limit on the stretch of East Stone Drive he was traveling at the time of and prior to the wreck.