LAKEPORT >> A settlement in the case against the county filed by the parents of a woman who died in a deputy-involved car crash was approved by the Lake County Board of Supervisors during closed session Tuesday.
“There is no agreement at this point,” County Counsel Anita Grant said, reiterating that the parents have yet to accept. “But the board did approve a settlement in the amount of $600,000.”
The incident in question occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 3, 2013, on Highway 29 near Diener Road in Lower Lake. Gabriela Rivas Garcia, 26, was on her way to work. Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Deputy Scott Lewis was responding from Kelseyville to Lower Lake to join a high-speed pursuit of several suspects believed to have participated in a burglary.
Gloria Garcia Gamino and Jose Daniel Rivas Cruz, Gabriela’s parents, claim that according to LCSO regulations officers may not report to work with any traceable Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), which Lewis had reportedly done. Former Sheriff Frank Rivero allowed during a radio show that officers are not permitted to have alcohol in their system while on duty.
Gamino and Cruz also allege that Lewis was responsible for the crash and their daughter’s death because he was negligent by giving pursuit when he was not obligated to because of the distance involved.
“This should close the deal,” Grant added. “I don’t anticipate any further issues.”
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
