News Summary
A police pursuit in Orlando ended tragically with the death of 56-year-old Gerald Neal, an innocent bystander. During a high-speed chase involving a suspect, Neal was struck by the suspect’s vehicle and subsequently by a police car. An investigation is ongoing, and Officer Christopher Moulton has been placed on paid leave. The incident has raised serious questions about police pursuit policies and public safety.
Orlando – A police pursuit in Orlando has ended tragically with the death of an innocent bystander, identified as 56-year-old Gerald Neal. The incident unfolded on February 12, when Neal became a victim after being struck twice during a high-speed chase involving a suspect, 30-year-old Dornell Bargnare. The Orlando Police Department (OPD) has placed Officer Christopher Moulton on paid administrative leave while an internal investigation is underway.
According to body camera footage released by the OPD, the events leading to Neal’s death began when officers initiated a chase due to Bargnare’s vehicle having an unreadable license plate. This type of traffic infraction does not meet the department’s criteria for a police pursuit, which typically requires evidence of a forcible felony. Pursuing suspects for minor violations could potentially endanger innocent lives, as evidenced by this unfortunate incident.
During the pursuit, Neal was initially struck by Bargnare’s vehicle, as he was crossing the street. Moments later, Officer Moulton’s patrol car hit Neal as he continued the chase, unaware that he had struck the bystander. Body camera footage shows Moulton reacting with surprise once another officer alerted him approximately 20 minutes later that someone was under his vehicle. The footage indicates that Moulton was focused on the pursuit and did not perceive the gravity of the incident until he was informed.
Following the incident, the OPD has confirmed that Bargnare faces charges of vehicular homicide, among others, as authorities continue to investigate his role in causing Neal’s death. The Florida Highway Patrol, which also examined the situation, has completed its investigation, and findings have been forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for further review.
As this case moves forward, Monique Worrell, the Orange-Osceola State Attorney, has indicated that her office is actively reviewing the details surrounding Neal’s death and the circumstances of Officer Moulton’s involvement. Worrell has emphasized her commitment to ensuring accountability for law enforcement personnel regarding violations of the law, regardless of their position within the police department.
The tragic outcome of this chase underscores the crucial importance of police policies concerning pursuits. The OPD’s chase policy expressly allows officers to engage in pursuits only when a forcible felony has occurred. This incident has already raised questions about the applicability of such policies and whether they sufficiently protect innocent citizens while allowing for effective law enforcement.
With Officer Moulton currently on paid administrative leave since February, the OPD conducts an internal review of his actions during the chase. The ongoing investigation aims to determine if any policy violations occurred that could warrant disciplinary action or further legal consequences.
This incident has sparked discussions about public safety and the protocols police departments must follow in pursuit situations. Several community members have expressed concern about the implications of allowing chases for minor infractions and the risk it poses to bystanders and drivers alike.
As the Orlando community processes this unfortunate event, officials and residents alike are left reflecting on the balance between effective policing and ensuring the safety of all citizens on the roads. With ongoing investigations and reviews, the outcome may influence future policy changes within the OPD and similar departments across the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Orlando Man Charged with Vehicular Homicide After Police Pursuit
Community Events Showcased in Orlando, Florida
Orlando Police Union Proposes New Three-Year Pay Plan
Orlando Man Arrested for Speeding at 155 MPH
Orlando Man Arrested for Drug Trafficking
Orlando City Council Votes for Pulse Memorial
Tragic Discovery of Missing 2-Year-Old Girl in Miramar
Tragic Motorcycle Accident Claims Life in Orange County
Motorcyclist Killed in Orlando Crash
Orlando Man Arrested After Disturbance at Car Dealership
Additional Resources
- WFTV: Investigates Body Camera Video
- Click Orlando: Mother Responds to Bodycam Footage
- WESH: Video of Convicted Felon Chase
- Wikipedia: Police Chase
- Google Search: Orlando Police Chase
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
