Stuart Cop Cleared In 4-Vehicle Wreck Resulting In Elderly Man's Death

A Treasure Coast cop is back on duty after being cleared of wrongdoing in a crash that killed an elderly driver.

The Stuart Police Chief on Thursday released a statement that the unnamed officer was following department policy during the pursuit that led up to the deadly four-vehicle wreck.

The Florida Highway Patrol says a 23-year old man from Boynton Beach was fleeing from a traffic stop on April 18th when he caused a chain-reaction crash involving a bus, a sedan and an SUV. A 76-year old man driving the sedan was killed and his passenger, a 74-year old woman, was injured.

The officer was put on administrative leave, but Chief Joseph Tumminelli says he is confident that the officer was within policy, based on the information that's been gathered.

He says the offender is to blame and that man is still in custody.

Chief Tumminelli's Statement:

"The officer has been released back to duty based on the information that I have and the confidence that the officer was within policy based on the information that has been gathered. The pursuit review is being typed, and I am not keeping this officer on administrative leave any longer than I have to,. The offender is to blame, as the officer followed policy and law."