Kansas, Officer Sued Over Crash With Fleeing Car

Two people who were injured when a fleeing car struck their vehicle are suing a Capitol Police officer and the state of Kansas.

Scott E. Bennett, of Topeka, and Shelby Montgomery, of Berryton, have filed separate lawsuits against the state and Capitol Police Patrick R. Saleh. Both are seeking more than $75,000 in damages.

Topeka police says Robert R. Horton was driving a stolen car while fleeing police when he hit a truck carrying Bennett and Montgomery in August 2010.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports Bennett and Montgomery were both hospitalized. Horton was sentenced to Norton Correctional Facility for two counts of reckless aggravated battery.

The Capitol Police is part of the Kansas Highway Patrol. A spokesman said patrol is working the attorney general’s office to respond to the lawsuits.