Jury finds Wichita police officer not guilty of vehicular homicide

Garrett Shaddix, the Wichita police officer charged with vehicular homicide, has been found not guilty.

On Dec. 13, 2009, Garrett Shaddix, then 25, was responding to a call in his patrol car after 9 p.m., when he crashed into a car turning in front of him. Christopher Perkins, 30, died of his injuries in the crash.

Shaddix was traveling between 60 and 73 mph, according to court testimony, when the crash occurred. He had not activated his flashing emergency lights.

"Garrett is deeply sorry for the loss to the Perkins' family," defense lawyer Steve Ariagno said. "But he's extremely pleased with the verdict, and he's looking forward to getting back to doing his job."

Check Kansas.com for updates.

This story was originally published April 7, 2011 at 10:26 AM with the headline "Jury finds Wichita police officer not guilty of vehicular homicide."