The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower federal court’s denial of qualified immunity to Sparks police officers in a case involving the use of force during a high-speed chase. The court ruled that the officers acted reasonably when they shot Joseph Williams multiple times after a 42-minute pursuit that reached speeds of 70 mph.
Williams led police on a chase through Sparks, running red lights, driving on the wrong side of the freeway and striking three police vehicles before officers pinned his truck. The appeals court found that video evidence showed Williams attempting to accelerate and flee even after being boxed in by police vehicles.
“Taking into account the duration, speed, and other hazards of plaintiff’s flight, as well as his clear intent to flee, he posed a grave public safety risk, and police acted reasonably in using deadly force to end that risk,” the judges ruled.
The ruling overturned Nevada District Court Judge Miranda Du, who denied the officers qualified immunity, finding there were factual disputes about the threat Williams posed once his truck was blocked. The appeals court determined the district court erred by ignoring dash camera footage that showed Williams’ truck tires spinning as he attempted to accelerate.
“Williams was clearly attempting to accelerate—and therefore attempting to flee—when the officers opened fire,” the court determined. “Because we find no constitutional violation in the officers’ use of force, they are entitled to qualified immunity.”
Williams survived and is incarcerated on charges related to the incident.
“This published opinion strengthens local law enforcement’s ability to protect the public,” Sparks City Attorney Wes Duncan said. “I am pleased that the Ninth Circuit agreed with our office’s position that the police officers acted reasonably in responding to this threat. Our office will continue to refuse to settle unfounded cases filed against the men and women of the Sparks Police Department.”
Williams’ attorney would not comment on the ruling. Sparks is still fighting another use-of-force case, in which the Ninth Circuit ruled against Sparks police. That case is scheduled to go to a jury trial in 2025.
Sources: City of Sparks, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
