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Motorcyclist Killed in Crash

By KSPR News

Story Created: Jul 2, 2008

Story Updated: Jul 2, 2008

From the Springfield Police Department:

"The Springfield Police Department is continuing its investigation into the early morning motorcycle crash that killed Curt Russell, 30, of Battlefield, MO. The crash occurred at 2:30 a.m., when Russell, driving west bound on Mt. Vernon, failed to yield to a police officer attempting to stop him for a license violation. The officer activated his emergency lights and Russell did not yield. The officer did not pursue the motorcycle.

"Russell continued westbound and disobeyed a flashing red signal at Scenic. Russell then lost control of the motorcycle crashing into a concrete culvert. He was transported by EMS to a local hospital where he died.

"The Department has investigated nine fatal crashes in 2008. Seven of the nine persons killed in crashes this year have died while operating motorcycles."

View Oldest Comments First

Thursday, Jul 3 at 8:48 PM Tony wrote ...

The police officer should never pursue. Chasing the biker TO DEATH for a traffic infraction? The motorcyclist would still be alive. A simple call to bring in a helicopter to follow the biker from overhead would have been a safer choice for the biker and all those who might have been on the streets or in the area. Police pursuits are dangerous to everyone in the area. Cops are supposed to serve and protect, not chase, harass, and endanger the masses. Take a license down and go to the guy's door.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 4:31 AM Halo1 wrote ...

Is the age of accountability gone? Since when are the police to blame for the wreckless actions of others. This young man made a wreckless and irresponsible decision, and he is the only person who is to blame as a result of this unfortunate situation. To blame anyone else, especially the officer, is absurd. To the officer who was involved in this incident, an overwhelming majority of this community supports you and your fellow officers. You need feel no remourse for doing your job. God bless.

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 10:33 PM Sensible wrote ...

It doesn't matter if there was persuit or not...the motorcycle driver made a bad choice to A. Not pull over when officer engaged light/sirens, and/or B. drive reckless. We all have consequences for our actions, sad to say this young man's actions caused his death.

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 7:40 PM Citizen wrote ...

You assume he was only running because of a traffic violation. Curt Stole the bike from a Springfield native and was running for that reason. Second, West bound Scenic you can see the light from over a mile away. People who break the law should not should not be able to blame the Police for their stupidity. If you do the crime be prepared to do the time.

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 12:36 PM tobe wrote ...

i wonder the same thing the self rightous law seems to have seen alot of detail for him not to have been in pursuit where did the attemted stop take place i have seen the springfield pd lie and play like kids cause they are athority hope their happy the officer should pay to raise curts new born now fatherless over a licence plate protect and serve ha

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 11:08 AM Robby wrote ...

Is there any proof the officer didn't pursue him? It's hard to believe the hard up Springfield PD didn't pursue a vehicle. How does the officer know he didn't stop at the light if he wasn't in pursuit? Motorcycles accelerate at an incredible amount of speed so teh cycle would be out of sight unless the officers was in a chase. It wouldn't surprise me if the officer was the cause of the accident. Officers shouldn't be aloud to pursue a vehicle past the posted speedlimits, especially a bike.