Woman says Charleston police chase led to wreck, injury

CHARLESTON -- A woman is suing the City of Charleston after her vehicle was struck by someone involved in a police chase.

On Feb. 24, 2009, Ashley Taylor was driving her vehicle on Leon Sullivan Way and was at the intersection of Smith Street when she was struck at a high rate of speed by a vehicle driven by Patrick Holley, according to a complaint filed Feb. 22 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Taylor claims at the time of the collision, an officer of the Charleston Police Department was engaged in a high speed chase of Holley.

The decision of the Charleston Police Department to allow the high speed chase of Holley to take place was "unreasonable, negligent and likely to cause harm to a member of the public," according to the suit.

Taylor claims the high speed chase also deviated from standard and reasonable police practices.

As a result of the defendant's negligence, Taylor sustained injuries, including post-concussion syndrome, cervical strain, thoracic strain, lumbar strain and depression, according to the suit.

Taylor is seeking compensatory damages. She is being represented by Michael L. Glasser.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Charles E. King.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 11-C-291