MINNEAPOLIS — Editor's note: The video above first aired on October 22, 2021.
The former Minneapolis police officer accused of fatally hitting another motorist during a 2021 high-speed pursuit will avoid prison time after accepting a plea deal Thursday.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty released the following statement after the agreement was reached:
“My thoughts are with Leneal Frazier’s family as they process this admission of guilt and this step toward accountability. The reckless driving conduct admitted today is not representative of the many men and women in law enforcement who act and drive responsibly with respect for the safety of our community members. We will have more to say after Mr. Frazier’s family has an opportunity to speak about the impact of their loss at sentencing.”
His sentencing is scheduled for June 22, where he could be sentenced to up to one year in the Hennepin Adult Corrections Facility, according to a release from Moriarty's office.
Richard Frazier, Leneal's brother, spoke at the courthouse on behalf of the family after the plea agreement.
"We're happy we got some justice. Something is better than nothing," he said. "Is that enough time? No. But, that's the charge. That's what comes with it. So, we accept it -- not fully, but we're dealing with it."
The plea hearing was initially set for 3 p.m. for Brian Cummings, who was charged with manslaughter and criminal vehicular homicide in the death of 40-year-old Leneal Frazier of Minneapolis. Cummings was set to go on trial Monday following a series of delays in the case.
The criminal complaint filed against the former officer alleges that Cummings was pursuing the driver of a stolen vehicle early the morning of July 6, 2021, reaching speeds near 100 miles per hour for nearly 20 blocks. The chase wound through north Minneapolis, including residential neighborhoods.
Eventually, prosecutors say, Cummings ran a red light at Lyndale and 41st Avenues North and collided with a Jeep driven by Frazier, who died from the significant injuries he sustained in the crash.
Accident reconstruction specialists accessed technology installed in Cummings’ squad car and reviewed area surveillance footage, the complaint says, and eventually determined the officer hit Frazier’s Jeep at roughly 78 mph.
Then-Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman's office said the collision "can be attributed to the Defendant for failure to operate his vehicle with due regard for the safety of other motorists.”
Charges were also eventually filed in the case against James Jones-Drain, who authorities say led the officer on the chase after stealing a Kia Sportage. Jones-Drain was charged with both fleeing an officer resulting in death and two counts of theft involving the alleged carjacking of the Kia.
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