SEATTLE — Seattle police officer Kevin Dave, who hit and killed 23-year-old Jaahnavi Kandula in a crosswalk in January of 2023, has been fired.
In an email sent to staff Monday, interim Police Chief Sue Rahr said, “I believe the officer did not intend to hurt anyone that night and that he was trying to get to a possible overdose victim as quickly as possible. However, I cannot accept the tragic consequences of his dangerous driving. His positive intent does not mitigate the poor decision that caused the loss of a human life and brought discredit to the Seattle Police Department.”
His termination was effective Monday.
The full email can be found below.
The King County Prosecutor’s Office said he was driving 74 MPH “without continuously running his siren” while responding to a call in an area where speeds are capped at 25 MPH.
He was not criminally charged. King County Prosecutors said they lacked enough evidence to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Dave was issued a traffic infraction from the Seattle City Attorney’s Office for negligent driving, where he was ordered to pay $5,000.
I am reaching out to all of you before the media coverage begins. The officer that struck and killed college student Jaahnavi Kandula January 26, 2023, was terminated today. The case was reviewed by the King County Prosecutor’s Office and declined for prosecution last year. It was then referred to the Seattle City Attorney’s Office and the Officer was charged with second degree negligent driving. The Seattle Office of Police Accountability (OPA) waited until both criminal and civil infraction cases were complete before completing their investigation. OPA found that the officer violated the following Seattle Police Department policies:
• 5.001 - Standards and Duties, 5.001-POL-2. Employees Must Adhere to Laws, City Policy, and Department Policy
• 13.030 - Emergency Vehicle Operations, 13.030-POL-3. Officers Shall Modify Their Emergency Response When Appropriate
• 13.030 - Emergency Vehicle Operations, 13.030-POL-5. Officers Are Responsible for the Safe Operation of Their Police Vehicle
• 13.030 - Emergency Vehicle Operations, 13.030-POL-4. Officers Use Emergency Lights for Emergency Response
As I have done in the past, I want the members of SPD to hear from me directly why I made that decision. I believe the officer did not intend to hurt anyone that night and that he was trying to get to a possible overdose victim as quickly as possible. However, I cannot accept the tragic consequences of his dangerous driving. His positive intent does not mitigate the poor decision that caused the loss of a human life and brought discredit to the Seattle Police Department.
I understand and accept that many will not agree with this decision. This case is tragic on every level and will have lifelong implications for everyone involved. It is my hope that this heartbreaking situation will be an enduring reminder that officers responding to emergencies: Do not lose sight of the danger that is created by excessive speed when responding to emergency calls.
As always, take good care of each other and stay safe.
Previous KIRO 7 coverage:
Seattle police identify officer who struck, killed pedestrian in crash
Video shows SPD cop laughing, joking about pedestrian killed by officer a day earlier
New bodycam shows moments before and after SPD officer hit and killed 23-year-old
King County to have outside firm investigate collision where SPD officer killed pedestrian
‘Disturbing, inhumane’: OPA rules on SPD cop who joked about death of 23-year-old
SPD officer that hit and killed Jaahnavi Kandula in crosswalk will not face charges
KCPAO decision to not file criminal charges in Kandula case sparks Seattle protests
SPD cop who joked about pedestrian’s death to speak at national conference
SPD officer fighting traffic infraction after hitting, killing pedestrian in 2023
Family of Jaahnavi Kandula files wrongful death lawsuit against Seattle and police officer