LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A jury awarded millions of dollars in damages on Friday in a civil trial against a Louisville Metro Police officer accused of violating the department's chase policy. But only a small portion of the damages will come from the police department.

Officer Ben Sullivan is accused of violating the department's chase policy during the incident on July 6, 2021, when he tried to pull over a car driven by Larry Williams for expired tags. Williams took off, and Sullivan chased him. The chase ended in a fiery crash when Williams sped through a stoplight at the intersection of Broadway and Dr. W.J. Hodge Street.

Williams hit Trevon Mitchell, 22, who was on a moped and died in the crash. Four other people were also injured. Police reports indicate Williams was traveling between 90-95 mph at the time of the collision, and attorneys believe it proves the suspect was being pursued by an LMPD officer.

Williams was arrested several weeks later and charged with murder. He's since been convicted and sentenced to prison. Mitchell's family believes Sullivan should be held accountable for his actions prior to the crash and filed a lawsuit against him.

Attorneys for Mitchell's family, and the four who were hurt in the crash, argued that LMPD violated its no chase policy involving minor traffic violations.

LMPD policy prohibits officers from pursuing suspects who flee after violating traffic laws. LMPD's chase policy was part of questioning throughout the trial, which lasted for nearly two weeks, including the methods and timing of the investigation. 

Friday evening, the jury awarded nearly $31 million in damages, but put only 3% of the fault on Sullivan. That means the city will have to pay out around $922,000.

Attorney Bo Bolus told WDRB News that he's disappointed the jury didn't find more fault with the officer, and he will meet with the plaintiffs to discuss an appeal.

This story may be updated.

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