Yareni Rios-Gonzalez (2022)

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Overview

Woman handcuffed in police SUV hurt in train crash

On September 16, 2022, a 911 caller reported that a woman had been tailgating their vehicle and had displayed a gun. Platteville Colorado Police Department Sergeant Pablo Vazquez located Rios-Gonzalez's car and stopped her just past a set of railroad tracks, leaving Vazquez's vehicle on the the tracks at the crossing. Rios-Gonzalez was handcuffed and Fort Lupton Colorado Police Department Officer Jordan Steinke placed her in Vazquez's vehicle, which was later struck by a train.[1]

Rios-Gonzalez suffered nine broken ribs, a fractured sternum, a broken arm, and a broken leg.[2]

Rios-Gonzalez was charged with felony menacing.[3]

In September 2022, Vazquez was placed on paid administrative leave.[4][5]

Steinke was placed on administrative leave.[1]

In October 2022, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation completed their investigation and sent the results to the District Attorney.[5]

Vazquez was charged with five misdemeanor counts of Reckless Endangerment, and one count each of Obstructing Highway or Other Passageway, Careless Driving, and Parking Where Prohibited.[6]

Steinke was charged with felonies for Criminal Attempt to Commit Manslaughter and Second Degree Assault, and a misdemeanor for Reckless Endangerment.[6]

In December 2022, Vazquez was fired.[1]

Rios-Gonzalez filed a lawsuit against the officers.[1]

On February 23, 2023, the District Attorney dropped the second-degree felony assault charge against Steinke.[1]

On March 2, 2023, Steinke pleaded not guilty.[7]

On June 30, 2023, Rios-Gonzalez pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor menacing charge and received a one-year deferred sentence.[8]

On July 28, 2023, Steinke was found guilty of reckless endangerment and third-degree assault. The judge said the prosecutor did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Steinke "knowingly intended to harm" and found her not guilty of attempted reckless manslaughter.[9]

On August 1, 2023, Steinke was fired.[10]

On September 15, 2023, Steinke was sentenced to 30 months of supervised probation.[11]

On December 5, 2023, Vazquez pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor reckless endangerment and was sentenced to one year of probation after which the charge would be dismissed and the case sealed.[12]

Officers Involved


Public Comments

References