City of Wichita to pay $300,000 to family of man killed by officer driving while on computer

The city of Wichita will pay a $300,000 settlement after a Wichita police officer hit and killed a man while deleting emails on his police car computer last year.

The settlement was approved without discussion at the City Council’s Jan. 7 meeting.

“The settlement of this claim does not constitute an admission of liability on the part of the City; rather, it is merely a settlement to resolve a disputed claim,” a city agenda report reads.

A Wichita police officer fatally struck 51-year-old Jeffrey Moss the evening of Feb. 17, 2024. A Kansas Highway Patrol report said the officer was deleting emails on his work computer while driving in the 1300 block of West MacArthur when the crash occurred.

Officers often check their emails for new information, such as new details about a vehicle or suspect to look out for.

Months later, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office declined to press charges against the officer, who has been with the department since January 2021. The DA’s office cited several factors in its decision, including the officer operating in a legitimate work function when he was deleting emails, Moss wearing dark clothing, and previous jury decisions.

The settlement will be paid to Moss’ family.

The city intends to pay for the six-figure settlement through the self-insurance fund, but could borrow to help cover the amount if needed, according to the agenda report.

This story was originally published January 6, 2025 at 4:25 PM.