Children of Couple Killed in Police Chase File Suit

The orphaned children of a Spring Valley couple killed in a collision with a car being pursued by police have filed suit against the City of San Diego.

The children, Andrew Curry, 3, and Scott Curry, 5, were injured in the July 21 collision that killed their parents, Ricki and Michael Curry, both 24. The youngsters, through their attorney and guardian, are charging police negligence in the suit.

The Currys and Patricia Hayes, 19, of Lemon Grove were killed when their car collided with a stolen car driven by Jon Steward. Steward already has been convicted of manslaughter in the three deaths and will be sentenced March 12.

The suit alleges that police were negligent in continuing the chase of Steward, 20, of Bonita. Steward ran three red lights at an estimated speed of 100 m.p.h. before the smash-up at Lemon Grove Avenue and Canton Drive.

Named as co-defendants in the suit were the two police officers, Robert Staley and his partner, who was identified only as C. Weber.

The owner of the stolen car, Thurmon Lennon, and Steward were also sued.

The children live with relatives in Lemon Grove. They were injured in the accident, and damages for their injuries are being sought.

No amount of damages was cited, but the children’s previous claim to the city specified $2 million. That claim, alleging that the officers drove at an unsafe speed and endangered the public by continuing the chase, was rejected.