Six months after a chase through the streets of Orlando ended in the death of a pedestrian, charges are being brought against the man who led police on the fatal pursuit. Dornell Bargnare now faces vehicular homicide and other charges related to the February 12 incident that killed 56-year-old Gerald Neal, as per court filings made public yesterday and reported by the Orlando Sentinel. The Orlando Police Department's Detective Christopher Moulton initiated the chase, which is now the subject of scrutiny due to apparent violations of the department's pursuit policy.
Bargnare, who was initially chased for a traffic infraction, escalated the situation and, after fatally striking Neal, fled the scene, ultimately crashing into a utility pole. The Orlando Sentinel further reported that Bargnare broke into a nearby home in an attempt to evade capture but surrendered shortly after. Moulton remains on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
While Bargnare is set to appear in court for the burglary charge related to that night, details surrounding the conduct of the pursuit are murky. The ClickOrlando report highlights the unmarked police vehicle's involvement in the incident, stating that it was the front tire of the police pickup that also struck Neal. Witnesses seemingly counter the official narrative, alleging the police vehicle ran over Neal and remained on him while the officer pursued Bargnare on foot. Attorney Ben Crump, representing Neal's family, has rallied for the release of body-worn or dash-camera footage, asserting that such evidence would clarify the events that transpired.
Ben Crump claimed that the initiation of the police chase rested upon an unreadable license plate, triggering a sequence of events leading to Neal's untimely death. The Orlando Police Department has promised transparency, stating that once the Florida Highway Patrol concludes its investigation, body-worn camera footage will be released.
