HOUSTON - The 14th Court of Appeals today affirmed the denial of the city of Houston’s motion for summary judgment in a lawsuit brought over a police officer’s automobile collision.
Court records show the lawsuit was brought by Jimmie Lee Jones, Jr. Jones sued the city in September 2020, alleging that the officer was negligent in operating his patrol car.
In January 2021, the city filed its motion for summary judgment, arguing the trial court lacked jurisdiction over Jones’ claims because its governmental immunity was not waived. The city contended that it established that the officer, at the time of the accident, acted within the scope of his authority.
On March 2, 2021, the trial court held a hearing on the city’s motion, which it denied the following day, leading the city to appeal, court records show.
The 14th Court concluded that the city did not conclusively demonstrate that the officer acted in good faith.
“Accordingly, we hold that the trial court did not err in denying the City’s motion for summary judgment, and we overrule the City’s issue,” the opinion states. “We affirm the trial court’s order denying the City’s motion for summary judgment.”
Appeals case No. 14-21-00128-CV