Man accused of fleeing police in high-speed chase that killed bystander has charges dropped.
Charges Dropped Against Man Accused in Fatal High-Speed Chase
MINNEAPOLIS — In an unexpected turn of events, charges have been dropped against James Jeremiah Jones-Drain, the man accused of fleeing police in a high-speed chase that tragically resulted in the death of a bystander in Minneapolis two years ago.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office dismissed counts of fleeing police and auto theft against Jones-Drain, citing an “inability to prove all of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt at this time,” according to a brief court filing, the Star Tribune reported.
Despite the dropped charges, Jones-Drain remains in custody with other cases pending, including felony charges of robbery and illegally possessing a gun, as stated on the Hennepin County Sheriff’s website.
Brian Cummings, the former Minneapolis police officer involved in the chase, was sentenced in July to nine months in the county workhouse after pleading guilty to criminal vehicular homicide.
According to prosecutors, Cummings was pursuing a suspected car thief on July 6, 2021, when he ran a red light and collided with a car driven by Leneal Frazier, resulting in Frazier’s death. Frazier’s niece, Darnella Frazier, gained national attention for recording the video of George Floyd’s death in 2020.
Officials revealed that Cummings was driving at nearly 80 mph (129 kph) with his siren and lights activated when the crash occurred, putting an end to a chase that spanned over 20 blocks, including residential neighborhoods with a speed limit of 25 mph (40 kph).
Thomas Plunkett, attorney for Cummings, expressed his frustration, stating, “Mr. Cummings risked his life many times to protect people. He sits in jail. Mr. Jones-Drain, a gun-toting thief who bears responsibility for the death of Leneal Frazier and stole from the innocent, gets a break? Minneapolis is a better place to be a criminal than a law enforcement officer.”
Attorneys representing Jones-Drain have not yet responded to the recent developments.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
