Dallas Cop Suspended in Child Bike Fatality

DALLAS (AP) _ A Dallas police officer has been given a one-day suspension for violating agency policy in an accident that killed a 10-year-old bicyclist.

Sr. Cpl. Michael Vaughn speeded without starting his lights and sirens, according to a decision reached in a disciplinary hearing and announced Thursday night by Police Chief David Kunkle. He also faces additional discipline.

Authorities said Vaughn was not using his lights or sirens when he hit Cole Berardi while driving toward a disturbance call on Oct. 17, 2008. The boy tried crossing a poorly lit road when Vaughn rounded a short curve and struck the child.

An officer driving a second car which was following Vaughn’s, Michael Litz, received a one-day suspension for the same violation.

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