Man sues in crash tied to 2017 police chase

Officers were pursuing suspect driving stolen RV

An 80-year-old man is suing the city of Albuquerque after he suffered injuries in a 2017 crash that happened as police officers chased a stolen recreational vehicle.

James Moore filed his complaint for personal injury June 19 in state district court in Albuquerque. He alleges officers pursued David Barber as he drove a stolen RV “through large sections” of town, “including many heavily populated and traveled intersections.” The chase ended when officers employed a PIT maneuver, causing the RV to hit another vehicle, killing a 39-year-old man.

Before that, the suit says, Moore was stopped at a traffic light on the Interstate 25 frontage road at Candelaria when the RV and a police vehicle, traveling the wrong direction, approached.

“An APD unit and the vehicle driven by Barber drove in between Mr. Moore’s vehicle and a third vehicle, causing a collision with both vehicles,” the lawsuit alleges.

Moore says he sustained shoulder and hip injuries that required treatment and rehabilitation and led him to close his electronic sales and repair shop.

“Because of his injuries, he has no longer been able to work like he used to and had to close his business,” the lawsuit alleges.

Moore is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, legal fees and other relief.

Jessie Damazyn, a spokeswoman for the city, said in an email that when the city receives Moore’s complaint, it will review it and respond accordingly.

“We are aware of the incident that led to the crash involving Mr. Moore. However, we have not yet been served so we are not currently familiar with the specifics of his claim,” she said.

Barber has been charged with several crimes, including murder, in connection to the chase and related crashes. One of his aggravated battery charges involves Moore.