News Summary
Dornell Bargnare, 30, faces vehicular homicide charges following a police chase that resulted in the tragic death of 56-year-old Gerald Neal. The incident highlights concerns over police pursuit policies, especially in cases lacking reasonable suspicion. Bargnare’s other charges include fleeing law enforcement and burglary. Neal, known in his community, was reportedly homeless by choice. Following the incident, the Orlando Police Department faces scrutiny over the adequacy of its pursuit protocols. Bargnare’s arraignment is set for September 4.
Orlando – Dornell Bargnare, 30, has been charged with vehicular homicide and several other offenses following a deadly police pursuit that claimed the life of 56-year-old Gerald Neal on February 12. The charges come nearly six months after Neal was fatally struck by Bargnare’s vehicle during the chase triggered by a minor traffic infraction.
Bargnare faces multiple charges including leaving the scene of a deadly crash, driving without a valid license, fleeing law enforcement, and burglary. The incident began when Detective Christopher Moulton pursued Bargnare due to an obscured license plate and the absence of lights on his vehicle. During the pursuit, Neal was reportedly hit twice by Bargnare’s vehicle on Indiana Street, located in a neighborhood west of downtown Orlando.
After colliding with a utility pole, Bargnare fled on foot, attempting to evade capture by breaking into a nearby home. He surrendered shortly after the break-in. Neal was known in the Holden Heights community and was reportedly homeless by choice, a decision stemming from enduring multiple family tragedies in the past year, according to his daughter, Shaquail Neal.
The Orlando Police Department’s policy on pursuits has come under scrutiny following this incident, as it appears to have been violated. The pursuit should have satisfied certain conditions requiring reasonable suspicion of forcible felonies, which were not present in this case. Detective Moulton, who was driving an unmarked vehicle, has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation into his actions.
No charges have yet been filed against Moulton, and there has been no comment from the Orange-Osceola State Attorney’s Office regarding any potential charges against him or additional charges related to the case. The investigation is currently being led by the Florida Highway Patrol, but reports and body-worn camera footage from the incident have not been made available to the public. Additionally, Neal’s autopsy report has yet to be released due to the ongoing inquiry.
This case highlights critical issues surrounding police pursuit policies and the safety concerns that arise from such high-speed chases. Following Neal’s death, the Orlando Police Department faces increasing questions regarding the adequacy and enforcement of proper pursuit protocols to safeguard citizens.
Bargnare is scheduled for arraignment on the new charges on September 4. As the situation develops, stakeholders are closely monitoring how the authorities respond to this unfortunate incident and the implications it holds for future policing strategies in Orlando.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: New Charges Filed in Death of Orlando Man Killed During Police Chase
- Google Search: Police Pursuit Policies
- WESH: Police Chase Shuts Down Part of Colonial Drive Orlando
- Wikipedia: Police Pursuit
- WFTV: Routine Traffic Stop Leads Orlando Police High-Speed Chase
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vehicular Homicide
- Fox 35 Orlando: Suspect Arrested in Police Chase Resulted in Crash that Killed Woman
- Google News: Police Chase Accidents
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.
