Houston Not Liable for Cop Car Crash with Bicyclist

The City of Houston will not be liable for a Houston police officer’s fatal crash with a
bicyclist because the officer was performing a discretionary duty while acting within the
scope of his authority in good faith while responding to a suicide emergency call, the
Texas Supreme Court decided Friday.

The case, City of Houston v. Sauls, was one of three suits stemming from police car
crashes before the court this term. Court observers said it was a noteworthy
development and might indicate the court’s interest in clarifying official immunity under
the Texas Tort Claims Act.