A man who filmed four dying police officers after they were struck by a truck has claimed the officers were negligent for pulling him over on a busy road.
Background of the Incident
Richard Pusey was stopped by highway patrol officers on April 22, 2020, for speeding in his Porsche on the Eastern Freeway at Kew, in Melbourne's east. Officers Glen Humphris, Kevin King, Lynette Taylor, and Joshua Prestney were hit by truck driver Mohinder Singh while impounding Pusey's car. All four died in the catastrophic collision.
Pusey, bitter about being pulled over, took out his phone and filmed the scene while making snarky comments. He quickly became hated by the general public for his behaviour during the tragedy, with Australians hearing how Pusey zoomed in on one of the fatally wounded officers while saying, 'Look at that, look at that, isn't it amazing'.
Pusey pleaded guilty to four charges connected to the 2020 crash and was sentenced to 10 months behind bars and a two-year good behaviour bond.
The Lawsuit
A writ filed in the Supreme Court last week, reported by the Herald Sun on Thursday, claimed Pusey had suffered 'trauma' from witnessing the fatal crash. His lawyers alleged the officers were negligent in using the emergency stop lane to pull him over.
'As a result (Pusey's) vehicle was destroyed and (he) was exposed to a traumatic crash, involving a collision between a heavy vehicle truck, police vehicles and (his) vehicle,' the writ stated.
The damages sought by Pusey were not detailed, but the writ noted his 'vehicle was a Porsche sports car having a value of approximately $450,000'. He is also seeking damages for alleged unlawful imprisonment because he was arrested at his home, despite offering to attend the police station for a voluntary interview. He claimed there was also 'distress and humiliation' allegedly caused by police. The document also alleged Pusey had suffered psychiatric injury and a loss of income after being publicly identified.
Police Response
A Victoria Police spokeswoman confirmed the force would fight Pusey's claims. 'Victoria Police is aware of this matter being filed with the Court, rejects the assertions made, and will be defending the matter,' she said.
Stuart Shulze, the husband of Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, who was killed in the 2020 crash, didn't mince words about Pusey's lawsuit. 'No comment. No interest. No oxygen required,' he said.
Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbines didn't specifically comment on Pusey's claims but highlighted how the recent six-year anniversary of the crash was painful for many. 'Our thoughts and focus will always be with them and those whose lives were taken while they were keeping Victorians safe,' he said.
