A serious car crash involving an LAPD officer driving nearly double the speed limit has left two brothers with life-altering injuries. The incident has sparked a fierce legal battle as the brothers and their attorney hold the city of Los Angeles accountable, while the city denies any responsibility for the crash.
The crash took place in Encino in June of last year when the LAPD officer, identified as Officer Stevenson, was recorded driving at 80 miles per hour through an intersection without using sirens or lights. This reckless speed caused a collision with a vehicle carrying brothers Stephen and Richard Paper, leading to catastrophic injuries for both men. The severity of their injuries is evident from body cam footage, which shows the brothers in critical condition, with firefighters on the scene describing their state as life-threatening.
Despite clear evidence implicating Officer Stevenson’s excessive speed as the primary cause of the accident, the city of Los Angeles has refused to accept liability. The brothers’ lawyer, Robert Glassman, has been vocally critical of the city’s stance, arguing that it not only denies responsibility but also disputes the very extent of the brothers’ injuries. The city attorney, Heidi Feldstein, has responded to the lawsuit by challenging the claims made by the injured brothers, sparking further controversy and accusations of conflict of interest.
Evidence Points to Officer’s Speed as the Cause of the Crash
The investigation into the crash included police body cam footage, dashcam video, and expert testimonies from both civilian and law enforcement professionals. According to the LAPD’s own investigator, the officer’s excessive speed was the definitive cause of the collision. This finding established that Officer Stevenson’s decision to speed was more than just a contributing factor—it superseded any fault that might have been attributed to the other vehicle involved, which was making a left turn.
The dashcam footage captured Officer Stevenson driving at an alarming 80 miles per hour, nearly twice the posted speed limit, without activating his sirens. As he entered the intersection, the officer’s vehicle collided with the brothers’ car, causing severe damage and immediately rendering Stephen and Richard Paper critically injured. The brothers have no memory of the accident itself, but they continue to suffer from the consequences, enduring painful rehabilitation and lingering health complications.
Life-Changing Injuries and Long Road to Recovery
The physical toll on the two brothers has been devastating. Both men sustained broken bones and brain bleeds, and one brother was placed in a coma for several days following the crash. Their recovery process has been long and arduous, with ongoing therapy required to help them regain basic functions. The body cam videos that captured the immediate aftermath of the accident reveal just how critical their condition was, with emergency responders working frantically to save their lives.
Despite these undeniable injuries, the city of Los Angeles has taken a stance that contradicts the visible evidence. In their official legal response, they denied fault and even disputed the existence of any damage or injury. This position has fueled frustration and outrage among the victims and their legal team, who argue that the city’s denial is not only unjust but also dismissive of the brothers’ suffering.
Legal Battle Intensifies Amid Allegations Against City Attorney
Robert Glassman, the attorney representing Stephen and Richard Paper, has sharply criticized City Attorney Heidi Feldstein for her handling of the case. Glassman has accused Feldstein of committing perjury by denying evidence that clearly shows the officer’s role in causing the crash. Furthermore, he alleges that Feldstein has a conflict of interest because of her involvement in lobbying state legislators on related matters, which may influence her approach to defending the city.
The legal dispute has escalated to the point where Glassman has requested the court to sanction the city attorney, highlighting the seriousness of the accusations. The brothers’ fight for justice has become as much about holding the city accountable as it is about securing recognition and compensation for their injuries.
City of Los Angeles Denies Responsibility
In official statements, the city of Los Angeles has maintained its position of denial regarding any fault in the crash. Their response under the penalty of perjury claimed that the city was not responsible for causing the accident and controversially suggested that the brothers were not even injured. This denial starkly contrasts with the physical evidence and the eyewitness accounts from emergency responders and police experts.
The city’s refusal to acknowledge responsibility leaves the brothers and their family searching for answers and struggling to move forward. With their lives forever altered by the crash, Stephen and Richard Paper continue to fight against the city’s legal defenses in hopes of achieving justice.
Conclusion
This case raises significant questions about police accountability and the protection of citizens from reckless actions, even by law enforcement officers. The tragic crash caused by Officer Stevenson’s excessive speed has left two brothers with severe injuries and ongoing health challenges. Despite clear evidence from body cam and dashcam footage, the city of Los Angeles denies liability, leading to a contentious legal battle.
Stephen and Richard Paper’s fight underscores the importance of transparency and responsibility within police departments and municipal governments. As their lawsuit progresses, many eyes will remain on the court’s response to the claims and on the city’s willingness to take accountability for the harm caused by one of its officers.
