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Lansing's Insurer OKs $1M Deal Over Police Crash

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Lansing's municipal insurance company has approved a $1 million settlement of claims involving an officer who crashed into a car while racing to answer a police call, disabling a passenger.

Christopher Morofsky, now 26-years-old, was a back seat passenger in the car that was struck by Officer Jillian Johnson's police cruiser as she raced to the scene of a fight in 2009. According to police, the overhead emergency lights on Johnson's cruiser were not activated as she sped 53 mph down a 35 mph road.

Morofsky was thrown from the vehicle and landed more than 70 feet away in a nearby yard, The Lansing State Journal reported. Family attorney Jamie White said Morofsky suffered multiple fractures,as well as injuries to his brain, spine and internal organs that left him disabled.

Lansing paid the insurer $500,000 in January to settle its obligations in the crash, and the company has agreed to pay the $1 million to cover Morofsky's medical treatments.

"We deemed that financially resolving this case was in the best interests of the city," said Janene McIntyre, the city's attorney.

Lansing police investigated the incident and disciplined Johnson, who remains on the force.

Lawsuits filed by two other men involved in the accident are pending in Ingham County Circuit Court.

TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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