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Independence fire truck hits parked car and leaves scene, owner seeks answers
Updated: 5:18 PM CDT - KMBC 9 News Investigative Reporter
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. —
An Independence fire truck hit a parked car last week in a cul-de-sac near East 41st Street South and Kerrington Drive as it tried to turn around.
Ashanti Grant, the owner of the damaged Toyota Camry, said she was surprised and frustrated by the lack of communication after the crash, especially since it does not appear firefighters left a note.
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"Nobody knocked on any door, and nobody left no number, nothing," Grant said.
Grant learned about the crash last Wednesday when her brother texted her, asking what had happened to her car.
A neighbor's security camera revealed that Independence Fire Truck Two hit the Camry and dragged along its side, breaking a mirror and causing a big dent in her front fender.
Firefighters down the street walked up to the truck, then helped it back up and turn around.
The firefighters then got back into the truck and left.
The video shows the fire truck turning and pulling out of frame two minutes and 22 seconds after the impact.
Grant said the crash left her in a difficult financial position.
"I was really, really dependent on being able to sell this car, and it really put me in, like, a messed-up spot," Grant said.
Criminal defense attorney John Picerno, who is not involved in the case, reviewed the footage and said the driver's actions could be a focus for prosecutors.
"It is quite shocking to see that happen, at any time, but particularly in this day and age where we know everything’s on camera, right?" Picerno said.
He added that drivers are generally expected to report accidents to police immediately after leaving the scene.
"Over the 30 years I've been practicing law, if you leave the scene of the accident, then they're going to expect that you go to a police station and report it as your next stop," Picerno said.
KMBC 9 Investigates asked Independence police if the driver of the firetruck reported the crash.
An Independence police technician provided a report on Tuesday showing that officers responded to the fire house at 5:42 p.m., approximately an hour and forty minutes after the crash.
According to the report, police got called after Grant went to Fire Station Two to ask what had happened.
A search of police records did not indicate any other records that firefighters reported the crash to police, according to the police technician.
KMBC asked an Independence police spokeswoman and a City of Independence spokeswoman if firefighters reported the crash and if the case will be forwarded to prosecutors.
A city spokeswoman declined further comment.
An earlier statement sent by the spokeswoman said the city was investigating the crash and provided a way for Grant to file a claim.
"I feel like it needs to be treated like a crime," Grant said. "Just because you wear a uniform doesn't mean you get special treatment."
Grant said she plans to file a claim and is asking for help.
"Just any type of help with my situation," she said.
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. —
An Independence fire truck hit a parked car last week in a cul-de-sac near East 41st Street South and Kerrington Drive as it tried to turn around.
Ashanti Grant, the owner of the damaged Toyota Camry, said she was surprised and frustrated by the lack of communication after the crash, especially since it does not appear firefighters left a note.
Advertisement
"Nobody knocked on any door, and nobody left no number, nothing," Grant said.
Grant learned about the crash last Wednesday when her brother texted her, asking what had happened to her car.
A neighbor's security camera revealed that Independence Fire Truck Two hit the Camry and dragged along its side, breaking a mirror and causing a big dent in her front fender.
Firefighters down the street walked up to the truck, then helped it back up and turn around.
The firefighters then got back into the truck and left.
The video shows the fire truck turning and pulling out of frame two minutes and 22 seconds after the impact.
Grant said the crash left her in a difficult financial position.
"I was really, really dependent on being able to sell this car, and it really put me in, like, a messed-up spot," Grant said.
Criminal defense attorney John Picerno, who is not involved in the case, reviewed the footage and said the driver's actions could be a focus for prosecutors.
"It is quite shocking to see that happen, at any time, but particularly in this day and age where we know everything’s on camera, right?" Picerno said.
He added that drivers are generally expected to report accidents to police immediately after leaving the scene.
"Over the 30 years I've been practicing law, if you leave the scene of the accident, then they're going to expect that you go to a police station and report it as your next stop," Picerno said.
KMBC 9 Investigates asked Independence police if the driver of the firetruck reported the crash.
An Independence police technician provided a report on Tuesday showing that officers responded to the fire house at 5:42 p.m., approximately an hour and forty minutes after the crash.
According to the report, police got called after Grant went to Fire Station Two to ask what had happened.
A search of police records did not indicate any other records that firefighters reported the crash to police, according to the police technician.
KMBC asked an Independence police spokeswoman and a City of Independence spokeswoman if firefighters reported the crash and if the case will be forwarded to prosecutors.
A city spokeswoman declined further comment.
An earlier statement sent by the spokeswoman said the city was investigating the crash and provided a way for Grant to file a claim.
"I feel like it needs to be treated like a crime," Grant said. "Just because you wear a uniform doesn't mean you get special treatment."
Grant said she plans to file a claim and is asking for help.
"Just any type of help with my situation," she said.