City of Jackson, Mississippi v. Lanier Lipsey
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IN THE SUPREME COURT OF MISSISSIPPI
NO. 2001-CA-01271-SCT
CITY OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
v.
LANIER LIPSEY
DATE OF JUDGMENT:
TRIAL JUDGE:
COURT FROM WHICH APPEALED:
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLANT:
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE:
NATURE OF THE CASE:
DISPOSITION:
MOTION FOR REHEARING FILED:
MANDATE ISSUED:
7/25/2001
HON. TOMIE T. GREEN
HINDS COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
HILTON RAY MILLER
TERRY WALLACE
J. ANTHONY WILLIAMS
PIETER JOHN TEEUWISSEN
DALE DANKS, JR.
CIVIL - PERSONAL INJURY
AFFIRMED - 01/09/2003
BEFORE PITTMAN, C.J., CARLSON AND GRAVES, JJ.
CARLSON, JUSTICE, FOR THE COURT:
¶1.
The City of Jackson appeals the ruling of the Circuit Court of the First Judicial
District of Hinds County, which found the City and one of its police officers acted in
reckless disregard in causing the automobile accident which occurred between the officer and
Lanier Lipsey, thus waiving immunity under the Mississippi Torts Claim Act (MTCA), Miss.
Code Ann. §§ 11-46-1 to -23 (Rev. 2002). Finding the proper standard was applied in
determining the acts of the City and the police officer rose to the level of reckless disregard,
this Court affirms the judgment of the circuit court.
¶2.
Lanier Lipsey ("Lipsey") was injured on May 27, 1999, when his vehicle was struck
by another vehicle operated by Jackson Police Department Officer Delma Gill Baker
("Baker"). Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 11-46-1, Lipsey provided notice to the City of
Jackson of his claim against Baker, individually1 and in his official capacity, and the City of
Jackson (collectively "the City"). The City of Jackson failed to accept liability and denied
Lipsey's claim.
¶3.
On August 16, 2000, Lipsey filed this action against the City and Officer Baker
alleging the actions of Officer Baker constituted reckless disregard and were the proximate
cause of the accident. Following a bench trial, the trial court issued its Memorandum
Opinion Subsequent to Bench Trial finding that Officer Baker and the City acted with
reckless disregard. The trial court entered a final judgment
which incorporated the
memorandum opinion, that judgment being in favor of Lipsey and against the City and
Officer Baker, in his official capacity, in the amount of $32,057.09. The City timely filed this
appeal.
FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS IN THE TRIAL COURT
¶4.
At approximately 1:30 a.m. on May 27, 1999, Lipsey was returning home from his
second job with Service Master. Lipsey was traveling on McDowell Road in a westerly
direction. At the same time, Officer Baker was responding to an emergency dispatch
1
Because the parties agreed Baker was acting within the course and scope of his employment,
the trial court dismissed the individual claim against Baker.
2
regarding an auto burglary in progress. At the time of the dispatch, Officer Baker was in his
patrol car in a parking lot at the intersection of Woody Drive and Terry Road. Electing to
respond to the dispatch although he was neither the primary nor secondary unit, Officer
Baker proceeded east on McDowell Road.
¶5.
At the bench trial, Officer Baker and Lipsey were the only two witnesses called to
testify regarding the accident. Each witness recounted a very different version of events from
the night of May 27, 1999. Officer Baker testified that as soon as he pulled out in response
to the dispatch, he turned on his blue lights and siren. Officer Baker learned the subjects
were seen running through the Jackson Square shopping center. In an attempt to cutoff the
subjects, Officer Baker made a left turn off of McDowell Road onto Kimbrough Drive.
Officer Baker testified that even with his blue lights and siren engaged, Lipsey did not see
Baker nor attempt to stop; therefore, the two vehicles collided. Officer Baker stated that the
speed limit for eastbound traffic on his side of the road was 40 mph and that the speed limit
for westbound traffic on Lipsey’s side of the road was 30 mph. Officer Baker testified that
he determined Lipsey to have been traveling between 40 and 45 mph, and he stated he was
traveling between 45 and 50 mph.
¶6.
Officer Baker testified that after the accident, he radioed the police dispatcher to have
both Sergeant Dorr and American Medical Response (“AMR”) dispatched to the accident
scene. While Sergeant Dorr was investigating the accident, Officer Baker stated he smelled
the odor of an intoxicant in Lipsey's vehicle. Officer Baker then called Officer Richardson
to the scene to administer a blood-alcohol test. Officer Richardson accompanied Lipsey to
Central Mississippi Medical Center where Lipsey's blood was tested for alcohol
3
approximately one hour after the accident. Lipsey's blood alcohol level registered at 0.02.
Officer Richardson testified Lipsey was never charged with a DUI because his blood alcohol
limit was not over the legal limit of 0.10.2 Officer Richardson agreed that 0.02 was an almost
nominal level.
¶7.
Officer Baker admitted to being involved in six other accidents while being employed
with the Jackson Police Department ("JPD"). Of those six accidents, Office Baker stated he
had been charged with two of those accidents.
¶8.
Lipsey's testimony differed greatly from Officer Baker's testimony. Lipsey testified
he was traveling in a westerly direction on McDowell Road in the far right lane. However,
Lipsey testified Officer Baker was operating his vehicle without headlights, blue lights or a
siren. Lipsey testified he had no warning and no time to react to avoid the collision because
Officer Baker turned so suddenly in front of his vehicle. Lipsey also stated he knew the
speed limit on McDowell Road to be 35 mph, and he was traveling approximately 35 or 40
mph at the time of impact.
¶9.
Lipsey testified he received head, neck and lower back injuries which caused him to
miss two weeks of work. Lipsey denied having anything to drink the night of the accident,
but did state his brother, who was a passenger in his car, had been drinking.
¶10.
As stated previously, the accident was investigated by Sergeant Dorr who concluded
that Officer Baker failed to yield the right-of-way to Lipsey. Sergeant Dorr noted there was
no improper driving by Lipsey.
2
Miss. Code Ann. § 63-11-23 (2) was amended in 2002 to change the legal limit from 0.10
to 0.08.
4
¶11.
Although Lipsey’s spouse testified, two other witnesses were called to testify, but the
trial court determined their testimony provided "little or no benefit for the resolution of the
issues in this case" and their testimony was therefore not addressed in the memorandum
opinion.
¶12.
The trial judge, as the fact-finder, determined that Officer Baker was attempting to
apprehend the suspects without drawing attention to his vehicle's approach by failing to turn
on his headlights, blue lights or siren. The trial judge held this conduct was in reckless
disregard to other citizens lawfully traveling on McDowell Road. The trial judge also
concluded the City of Jackson was on notice due to Office Baker's poor driving record.
¶13.
The trial judge also determined Lipsey incurred $2,239.09 in medical expenses,
$2,800.00 in property damage to his car and $2,018.00 in lost wages. The trial court also
awarded Lipsey $25,000 in damages for past physical pain and suffering and mental anguish.
Therefore, a judgment in the amount of $32,057.09 was entered against the City of Jackson
and Officer Baker in his official capacity as an officer of the JPD.
DISCUSSION
¶14.
This Court recognizes that the trial judge, sitting in a bench trial as the trier of fact,
has the sole authority for determining the credibility of the witnesses. Rice Researchers,
Inc. v. Hiter, 512 So.2d 1259, 1265 (Miss. 1987); Hall v. State ex rel. Waller, 247 Miss.
896, 903, 157 So.2d 781, 784 (1963). Where there is conflicting evidence, this Court must
give great deference to the trial judge’s findings. McElhaney v. City of Horn Lake, 501
So.2d 401, 403 (Miss. 1987). This Court reviews errors of law, including the proper
5
application of the Mississippi Tort Claims Act, de novo. City of Jackson v. Perry, 764 So.2d
373, 376 (Miss. 2000) (citing Cooper v. Crabb, 587 So.2d 236, 239 (Miss. 1991)).
I.
II.
¶15.
WHETHER UNDER THE MISSISSIPPI TORT CLAIMS ACT,
THE CITY OF JACKSON SHOULD BE GRANTED IMMUNITY
WHEN IT RESPONDS TO AN EMERGENCY DISPATCH OF A
CRIME IN PROGRESS.
WHETHER THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN FINDING
"RECKLESS DISREGARD" WHEN OFFICER BAKER
TESTIFIED HE HAD HIS LIGHTS AND SIREN ON AND WAS
RESPONDING TO AN EMERGENCY DISPATCH.
The City argues the trial court erred in finding Officer Baker was acting in reckless
disregard to the safety of others when he was responding to an emergency dispatch. The City
also argues that the care used in Officer Baker's pursuit was reasonable and necessary, and
that because Officer Baker did not act in reckless disregard, the MTCA exempts the City
from all liability. Lipsey, however, argues the trial court was correct in its finding that
Officer Baker's conduct amounted to reckless disregard to all citizens lawfully traveling on
McDowell Road. Lipsey also argues the trial court was correct in concluding the City was
on notice due to Officer Baker's poor driving record. Therefore, according to Lipsey, Officer
Baker and the City waived any claim of governmental immunity under the MTCA.
¶16.
Miss. Code Ann. § 11-46-9 states in pertinent part:
(1) A governmental entity and its employees acting within the course and
scope of their employment or duties shall not be liable for any claim:
(c) Arising out of any act or omission of an employee of a governmental entity
engaged in the performance or execution of duties or activities relating to
police or fire protection unless the employee acted in reckless disregard of the
safety and well-being of any person not engaged in criminal activity at the
time of injury;
(emphasis added). This Court has defined reckless disregard:
6
While we agree that reckless disregard would encompass gross
negligence, we hold that reckless disregard is a higher standard than gross
negligence by which to judge the conduct of officers.
"Disregard" of the safety of others is at least negligence if not gross
negligence. Because "reckless" precedes "disregard," the standard is elevated.
As quoted above from Black's Law Dictionary, "reckless," according to the
circumstances, "may mean desperately heedless, wanton or willful, or it may
mean only careless, inattentive or negligence." Id. at 1270 (emphasis added).
In the context of the statute, reckless must connote "wanton or willful,"
because immunity lies for negligence. And this Court has held that "wanton"
and "reckless disregard" are just a step below specific intent. See Evans v.
Trader, 614 So.2d 955, 958 (Miss. 1993).
Turner v. City of Ruleville, 735 So.2d 226, 229-30 (Miss. 1999). "Our case law indicates
'reckless disregard' embraces willful or wanton conduct which requires knowingly and
intentionally doing a thing or wrongful act." Id. at 230 (citing Raney v. Jennings, 248 Miss.
140, 147, 158 So.2d 715, 718 (1963)).
¶17.
Recently this Court has found several instances where a governmental entity has
waived its immunity under the MTCA by acting in reckless disregard of the safety and wellbeing of citizens not engaged in criminal acts. See City of Jackson v. Perry, 764 So. 2d 373
(Miss. 2000); Maye v. Pearl River County, 758 So. 2d 391 (Miss. 1999); Turner v. City of
Ruleville, 735 So. 2d 226 (Miss. 1999). In Perry, at the time of the accident, a City of
Jackson police officer was speeding without using his siren or blue lights. 764 So. 2d at 375.
At trial it was shown the officer was not responding to an emergency call, but was going to
dinner. Id. This Court held the officer's conduct "showed a reckless disregard of the safety
and well-being of others." Id. at 378.
¶18.
Similarly in Maye, a Pearl River County Deputy Sheriff backed his car up an incline
to the entrance of a parking lot. 758 So. 2d at 392. He collided with another driver who had
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pulled into the parking lot. Id. Although he checked his mirrors before backing up his car,
the deputy sheriff testified he could not see the road from the parking lot because his view
was obstructed. Id. We held the sheriff's deputy acted with a conscious indifference to the
consequences of his actions, and those actions rose above "simple negligence to the level of
reckless disregard of the safety and well-being of others." Id. at 395.
¶19.
Finally in Turner, (which involved a Miss.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(6) dismissal) the plaintiff's
complaint alleged that an officer employed by the City of Ruleville Police Department
pulled over a visibly intoxicated driver for operating his vehicle in an erratic manner. 735 So.
2d at 227. Even though the driver was incapable of driving his car, the officer allowed him
to continue driving. Id. The driver was later involved in a collision with Turner. Id. This
Court held that the complaint stated a claim by alleging that the officer acted willfully and
wantonly, which are synonymous with reckless disregard, in intentionally allowing a visibly
intoxicated person to continue driving. Id. at 230.
¶20.
Lipsey argues that the facts here are similar to the facts of the three cases cited above.
Officer Baker was responding to an attempted auto burglary although he was not the primary
nor secondary unit. The trial judge found from disputed testimony that Officer Baker was
responding to the emergency dispatch without headlights, blue lights, or his siren in the
hopes of not drawing attention to his vehicle. Baker admitted to speeding prior to turning in
front of Lipsey. The City also had knowledge of Baker's six prior accidents and he was
“chargeable” for at least two of those accidents. As this Court found in Perry, Maye, and
Turner, Lipsey argues there is overwhelming evidence to conclude the actions of Officer
8
Baker and the actions of the City rose to the level of reckless disregard to the safety and
well-being of others.
¶21.
However, the City argues the facts of the instant case are distinguishable as were the
facts in Maldonado v. Kelly, 768 So. 2d 906 (Miss. 2000). In Maldonado, a deputy sheriff
was approaching a very dangerous intersection. Id. at 908. Before proceeding through the
intersection, the deputy sheriff came to a complete stop, looked to his right, then to his left
but saw no oncoming traffic. Id. However, the deputy sheriff's view was partially blocked
on his right, and a collision occurred. Id. This Court distinguished the facts of Maldonado
from Perry, Maye, and Turner and determined:
The common denominator in these cases is that the conduct involved evinced
not only some appreciation of the unreasonable risk involved, but also a
deliberate disregard of that risk and the high probability of harm involved. . .
. There is no indication that Maldonado acted with deliberate disregard to the
consequences of attempting to cross the intersection. To the contrary, there is
every indication that Maldonado was aware of the nature of the intersection
and took specific steps to avoid the collision.
Id. at 910-11. This Court held the deputy sheriff's actions did not rise to the level of reckless
disregard. Id. at 911.
¶22.
The City contends that like the deputy sheriff in Maldonado, Officer Baker's actions
did not rise to the level of reckless disregard. He was responding to an emergency dispatch,
thus, he was acting in the usual course and scope of an officer's duty. The City argues it
should be granted immunity under Mississippi law.
¶23.
The trial court found as a fact, from disputed testimony, that Officer Baker responded
to the emergency dispatch without turning on his headlights, blue lights or siren in an attempt
to cut off the suspected auto thieves, and in so finding, the trial court held Officer Baker's
9
conduct rose to the level of reckless disregard to the safety of others. The trial judge, sitting
in a bench trial as the trier of fact, has the sole authority for determining the credibility of the
witnesses. See Rice Researchers, Inc. v. Hiter, 512 So.2d at 1265; Hall v. State ex rel.
Waller, 247 Miss. at 903, 157 So.2d at 784.
The trial judge saw these witnesses testify. Not only did [s]he have the benefit
of their words, [s]he alone among the judiciary observed their manner and
demeanor. [S]he was there on the scene. [S]he smelled the smoke of battle.
[S]he sensed the interpersonal dynamics between the lawyers and the
witnesses and [her]self. These are indispensable. Madden v. Rhodes, 626
So.2d 608, 625 (Miss. 1993)(quoting Culbreath v. Johnson, 427 So.2d 705,
708 (Miss. 1983)).
Rochell v. State, 748 So.2d 103, 110 (Miss. 1999).
¶24.
Finding that the trial court applied the proper standard in determining the acts of
Officer Baker and the City of Jackson rose to the level of reckless disregard to the safety of
others, this argument is without merit.
III.
¶25.
WHETHER THE JUDGMENT OF THE TRIAL COURT WAS
EXCESSIVE AND AGAINST THE OVERWHELMING WEIGHT
OF THE EVIDENCE WHEN LIPSEY IGNORED THE BLUE
LIGHTS OF THE POLICE AND ONLY SUSTAINED $2,239.00
IN MEDICAL BILLS.
The findings of a circuit court judge sitting without a jury "are safe on appeal where
they are supported by substantial, credible, and reasonable evidence." City of Jackson v.
Perry, 764 So.2d at 376 (citing Puckett v. Stuckey, 633 So.2d 978, 982 (Miss. 1993); Sweet
Home Water & Sewer Ass'n v. Lexington Estates, Ltd., 613 So.2d 864, 872 (Miss. 1993);
Allied Steel Corp. v. Cooper, 607 So.2d 113, 119 (Miss. 1992)). In Simpson v. City of
Pickens, 761 So. 2d 855 (Miss. 2000), this Court adopted the preponderance of evidence
standard of proof to be applied in all Miss. Code Ann. § 11-46-9(1)(c) cases.
10
We hold that a governmental agency and its employees acting within the
course and scope of their employment or duties shall not be liable for any
claim arising out of any act or omission of an employee of a governmental
entity engaged in the performance or execution of duties or activities relating
to police or fire protection unless it is proved by a preponderance of the
evidence that the employee acted in reckless disregard of the safety and wellbeing of any person (claimant) not engaged in criminal activity at the time of
injury.
Id. at 859. Because we have affirmed the trial court's holding that Officer Baker acted in
reckless disregard to the safety of others by failing to use his headlights, blue lights or siren,
we will only address this issue as it relates to the award of damages.
¶26.
The City argues the amount of damages awarded to Lipsey was excessive and was not
supported by the evidence. Lipsey, however, argues the trial court correctly weighed all
relevant evidence in determining the amount of damages which were to be awarded.
¶27.
Without objection from opposing counsel, the trial court admitted into evidence
Lipsey's exhibit which showed his medical expenses totaled $2,239.00. Lipsey also testified
he lost wages as a result of the accident from his two jobs in the amount of $2,018.00 and
the damage to his car totaled $2,800.00. Lipsey also testified in great detail about the pain
he suffered the two weeks after the accident. He was unable to work either job. He was
barely able to move and relied on his family to assist him during that two-week period. He
was required to take pain medication for the injuries to his lower back.
¶28.
The trial court determined Lipsey's undisputed damages, consisting of medical bills,
lost wages and damage to his vehicle, amounted to $7,057.09. The trial court then
determined Lipsey was entitled to $25,000 for past physical pain and suffering and mental
anguish.
11
¶29.
Considering the evidence the trial court evaluated in determining damages for Lipsey,
the damages award is not "unreasonable in amount as to strike mankind at first blush as being
beyond all measure, unreasonable in amount and outrageous." Harvey v. Wall, 649 So.2d
184, 187 (Miss. 1995)(citing Rodgers v. Pascagoula Pub. Sch. Dist., 611 So.2d 942, 945
(Miss. 1992)). Therefore, this argument is without merit.
IV.
¶30.
WHETHER AN OFFICER'S DECISIONS WHILE DRIVING
ARE DISCRETIONARY OR MINISTERIAL.
Relying on Mosby v. Moore, 716 So. 2d 551 (Miss. 1998), the City argues because
Officer Baker was in the pursuit of criminals, his actions were discretionary and immunity
should apply. However, the City completely ignores this Court's subsequent decision in
Jones v. Mississippi Department of Transportation, 744 So. 2d 256, 260 (Miss. 1999),
where we adopted the "public policy function test" which requires discretionary acts to be
in furtherance of public policy in order to be granted immunity.
In determining whether governmental conduct is discretionary the Court must
answer two questions: (1) whether the activity involved an element of choice
or judgment; and if so, (2) whether the choice or judgment in supervision
involves social, economic or political policy alternatives. Jones v. Miss. Dep't
of Transp., 744 So.2d 256, 260 (Miss. 1999). Therefore, the Jones test
requires a determination of (1) whether the supervision of security officers
involves an element of choice or judgment; and if so (2) whether the choice or
judgment involved social, economic, or political policy.
Bridges v. Pearl River Valley Water Supply Dist., 793 So.2d 584, 588 (Miss. 2001).
¶31.
According to the first prong regarding the element of choice or judgment, Officer
Baker was required by law, pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 63-3-517 (Rev. 1996), to warn
other drivers by using his siren when he responds to an emergency call. Section 63-3-517
states:
12
The speed limitations set forth in this article shall not apply to authorized
emergency vehicles when responding to emergency calls and the drivers
thereof sound audible signal by bell, siren, or exhaust whistle. This section
shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty
to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the street, nor shall
it protect the driver of any such vehicle from the consequence of a reckless
disregard of the safety of others.
(emphasis added). Therefore, there was no element of choice or judgment in how Officer
Baker responded to the emergency dispatch.
¶32.
With regard to the second prong of the test concerning policy alternatives, this Court
determined in Bridges that immunity is only appropriate where the governmental entity can
prove the act occurred within a "policy-oriented decision making process." 793 So. 2d at 589.
Officer Baker was making no such policy-oriented decision. He was only responding to an
emergency dispatch. Therefore, this argument is without merit.
13
CONCLUSION
¶33.
The trial court did not err in finding Officer Baker and the City of Jackson acted with
reckless disregard to the safety and well-being of others, and thus, waived immunity under
the Mississippi Tort Claims Act. The damage award was supported by substantial evidence
and is, therefore, not excessive. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
¶34.
AFFIRMED.
PITTMAN, C.J., McRAE AND SMITH, P.JJ., COBB, DIAZ, EASLEY AND
GRAVES, JJ., CONCUR. WALLER, J., NOT PARTICIPATING.
14
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