Police officer sues car owner for alleged hit-and-run

CHARLESTON – A police officer is suing the woman who owned a vehicle that allegedly struck him and fled from the scene while he was a pedestrian.

The Estate of Steiney James Richards was also named as a defendant in the suit.

Brandon Tagayun was working as a police officer with the Metro Drug Unit in Charleston, according to a complaint filed Jan. 31 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Tagayun claims he was a pedestrian when Steiney Richards negligently struck him with Shana M. Richards’ car and fled the scene.

Shana Richards negligently entrusted her vehicle to Steiney Richards, according to the suit.

Tagayun claims he incurred medical expenses and suffered injuries to his left knee because of the accident.

Steiney Richards was a permissive user of Shana Richards’ vehicle, according to the suit.

Tagayun is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by JB Akers.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Carrie Webster.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 13-C-214