In a controversial decision, Jordan Steinke, a former Colorado police officer, has been given 30 months of supervised probation, instead of prison time. Steinke was convicted in July of reckless endangerment and assault, following an incident in which a woman detained in a police car was hit by a freight train. Although Steinke was found not guilty of attempted manslaughter, she was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service.
The victim, Yareni Rios-Gonzalez, suffered serious injuries, mainly brain, from the accident. The incident occurred in September 2022, in Weld County, approximately 72 miles from Denver. Steinke, along with another officer, were investigating a road rage incident when they arrested Ms. Rios-Gonzalez and later placed her in a police vehicle parked on the railroad tracks. While the officers were busy examining his vehicle, a train collided with the police car.
During her sentencing, an emotional Steinke conveyed her remorse, recounting the horrific scene. He also expressed his aspirations to educate police officers about the risks associated with railway tracks in the future.
The lawyer of Ms. Rios-Gonzalez conveyed in court her mixed feelings: anger over the life-changing incident, but sympathy for Steinke for losing her career.
Judge Timothy Kerns initially leaned toward a prison sentence for Steinke, stressing the importance of holding police officers accountable for their actions. However, a joint plea by the defense and the prosecution led to his decision to be released on probation.
Pablo Vázquez, the second officer involved in the incident, awaits his trial at the end of the year.
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