No felony charges are expected for the deputy involved in the deadly crash that killed a St. Paul father, while a city attorney now considers less severe charges.

As the deputy was responding to a stolen car call, he had his emergency lights on for several blocks and had the siren on. The white warning lights on the traffic light pole (are part of an Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) system) were also activated.

The release states the deputy was going 58 miles per hour before applying his brakes and that he and the other driver, Tha Wah of St. Paul, who was killed in the crash.

The sheriff’s office says the deputy’s sightlines were obstructed by concrete barriers ahead of the crash, adding that the deputy tried to stop. The deputy also rendered aid right after the crash.

Also still to come, the sheriff’s office says an administrative investigation will happen regarding the accident and the ride-along waiver concern. According to the sheriff’s office, the civilian ride-along participant, who was in the squad during the crash, did not sign a waiver, which violates agency policy.

You are universally required to sign a waiver to participate in a police ride-along. Law enforcement agencies require this paperwork to limit their civil liability, ensure you understand the inherent dangers of police work, and bind you to confidentiality laws.