SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah, Aug. 2, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — A Unified Police officer asked to search for a “man down,” and who ran over and killed the woman being sought, will not face criminal charges, it was announced Friday.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill reviewed reports on the March 5, 2019, incident, and made the determination that charges will not be filed against Unified Police Officer Megan Franklin.
The incident resulted in the death of 23-year-old Cindreia Simone Europe.
According to the report, Europe was believed to be homeless and living in her vehicle, which was parked at a Millcreek strip mall. When mall officials had the vehicle towed, Europe laid down to sleep in the parking lot.
The incident happened after dark, and Franklin reportedly did not see Europe, who was dressed in dark clothing.
In a report summary, posted below, Gill stated that reasons for not prosecuting Franklin included the fact that she had not been informed by dispatch that the person being sought might be lying on the ground in the parking lot.
If Franklin had been aware of the possibility Europe was prone, and drove through the parking lot regardless, reckless misconduct charges might apply, Gill’s summary said. But Franklin had not been made aware of that possibility.
Sim Gill Leter
