Platteville and Fort Lupton, Colorado – A woman who was severely injured during a 2022 traffic stop after a train struck the police cruiser she was left handcuffed inside has reached an $8.5 million settlement this week. Yareni Rios-Gonzalez will receive equal payments from both cities as part of the agreement following the incident that occurred on September 16, 2022.
The unfortunate event unfolded when Rios-Gonzalez stopped her car just past some train tracks after being pulled over by a Platteville police officer. Body-camera footage captured the officer parking the patrol vehicle in the middle of the tracks, with two Fort Lupton officers arriving to assist shortly after. Rios-Gonzalez was then handcuffed and locked inside the cruiser when a train approached, leading to the tragic collision.
The settlement, to be paid by the cities’ insurers, was confirmed by an attorney representing two of the officers involved in the incident. Rios-Gonzalez’s attorney, Paul Wilkinson, expressed that the settlement was hard-fought and emphasized the ongoing physical and emotional impacts his client continues to endure.
Following the incident, Platteville Police Chief Carl Dwyer issued an apology to Rios-Gonzalez, underscoring the department’s commitment to providing excellent service to the community. Fort Lupton Police Chief William Carnes described the settlement as voluntary and aimed at bringing mutual satisfaction to all parties involved, recognizing the gravity of the matter and allowing for progress to ensue.
During the night of the accident, Rios-Gonzalez, who was handcuffed inside the police vehicle, could be heard on body-camera footage expressing confusion about the unfolding events. As officers searched her car, a gun was discovered, adding another layer of complexity to the situation that ended with the train collision.
In the aftermath, Rios-Gonzalez suffered a traumatic brain injury and later pleaded no contest to misdemeanor menacing. Two officers were charged in connection with the incident, leading to their termination and subsequent legal proceedings. Jordan Steinke, from Fort Lupton, was convicted of assault and reckless endangerment, while Pablo Vazquez, the Platteville officer, pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment.
The incident shed light on the complexities and risks involved in high-risk traffic stops, prompting reflection on law enforcement practices to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Through the settlement, a sense of acknowledgment and closure has been achieved for all parties involved, paving the way for healing and progress.