Family of suspected pot-grower killed by police bulldozer gets $475k
Brian Niemietz
The family of a Pennsylvania man killed by a police operated bulldozer in July 2018 will receive $475,000 for their loss.
Grateful Dead enthusiast Gregory Longenecker reportedly fled from law enforcement officials in Reading, where he was suspected of growing 10 marijuana plants. When the 51-year-old man ran into a thick brush, state police gave chase, using a Pennsylvania Game Commission bulldozer in the pursuit.
Prosecutors said cops acted properly and that Longenecker’s death was the result of his crawling under the bulldozer when it came to a halt, then being fatally crushed when it continued to move. Authorities also alleged the short-order cook was under the influence of methamphetamine. The Berks County coroner ruled the death accidental.