Minneapolis Police Officer Charged In Fatal Traffic Crash

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Minneapolis (KROC AM News) - A Minneapolis police officer is facing prosecution for killing a man after crashing into his vehicle while chasing a criminal suspect.

The July wreck claimed the life of 40-year-old Leneal Frazier.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced Friday his office has filed 2nd degree manslaughter and criminal vehicular homicide charges against Officer Brian Cummings. Freeman says Cummings was in pursuit of a stolen vehicle when his squad car slammed into the driver’s side of Frazier’s Jeep at nearly 80 mph.

According to the criminal complaint:

"The pursuit covered more than 20 blocks through North Minneapolis, including residential neighborhoods. At speeds approaching 100 mph, Cummings followed the vehicle through numerous stop signs, red lights, and partially obstructed intersections, many of which blocked the view of approaching vehicles.”

The complaint says ”Cummings’ squad car entered the intersection against the red light and hit Frazier’s Jeep on the driver’s side” at nearly 80 mph."

Ironically, Frazier was the uncle of the teenager who used her cellphone
to record former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin as he was kneeling on George Floyd's neck.

Freeman issued this statement after the charges were filed:

“Police are supposed to protect and serve citizens, and to act in a manner consistent with their sworn oath to do so. Officer Cummings’ actions deviated from his oath and his negligence caused the death of Leneal Frazier. These charges are appropriate based on the thorough investigation conducted. I hope the victim’s family and loved ones find some solace in knowing we are doing everything we can to get justice for Mr. Frazier."

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