Family of motorcyclist killed in accident with MPD officer files ‘wrongful death’ lawsuit

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) – FOX10 News has learned that a wrongful death claim has been sent to the City of Mobile.

The motion was filed by the family attorney of 67-year-old Sumner Howard.

Howard is the motorcyclist who was killed in a collision with a police car in Midtown Mobile last month.

A FOX10 News investigation found that the police officer driving the car, Roy Adams Jr., was involved in four accidents this year.

FOX10 investigates: Mobile police officer involved in four accidents, has a long history of traffic violations

For the first time, we hear from a friend of Sumner Howard… who wants answers.

“We want to know if the officer involved in this accident will be held accountable,” said Dr. Tonya Butler. “We want to know why he was still on patrol.”

Dr. Butler serves as the press secretary for the Eastern Shore American Legion Post 199.

Dr. Butler says Howard, also known as Kahuna, served as captain.

She says Kahuna was a close friend of hers and this is a tremendous loss.

“He was instrumental in organizing these rides. He was a very important part of our community. He had a soft heart for older veterans who made many rides to the veterans home in Bay Minette,” said Dr. Butler. “We want people to know that this community lost a great man. We just don't want his memory to be lost.”

On July 9, Howard collided with Officer Adams' patrol car.

FOX10 investigates: Mobile police officer involved in four crashes, one fatal, remains on patrol

The accident report states that Adams drove through a red light while looking for an emergency call.

Howard died almost two weeks later.

MPD officials refuse to release the contents of the emergency call.

Mobile Police do not release details of second fatal accident involving MPD officer

According to an MPD spokesperson, Officer Adams is no longer working as a driver and has been assigned to a two-person unit.

Dr. Butler says Kahuna not only played a big role in the biker community, he was also an Air Force veteran and a member of the American Legion Riders.

“It was devastating for our community and we still find it hard knowing he is no longer with us. It is a huge loss, he was a friend to all of us,” said Dr. Butler. “You just have to look at some of the pictures with Kahuna. His smile was infectious, his heart was huge, he was one of the kindest, funniest people. He was willing to help anyone who needed it.”

Dr. Butler says Kahuna celebrated his 68th birthday three days ago.

She says those who love him want to carry on his legacy.

“He was taken from us too soon and he still had a lot of work to do. And if you asked him, he would say his work is not done,” said Dr. Butler. “The only thing we can hope to do is carry on his legacy. To carry on the good works he did in this community and to pass on the love he spread to others.”

FOX 10 News reached out to the city for comment on the lawsuit and received the following response:

FOX10 News has also asked MPD to share with us the “calls for service” from the time of the accident in which Howard died.

We received the following statement:

The Mobile County District Attorney's Office is currently investigating a fatal motorcycle crash involving an MPD officer

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