Negligence suit against Wood River, police officer settles

A negligence suit against the city of Wood River and one of its police officers settled before its trial could get under way Monday.

The case had been scheduled to go before Madison Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth at 9 a.m.

Plaintiff Karen Mitchell had sued the city of Wood River and police officer Hugh Noble for injuries her daughter suffered during a 2006 motorcycle crash in the village of Roxana.

According to the complaint, Mitchell's daughter, April Harshbarger, was riding on the back of a motorcycle when Noble gave chase due to the cycle's speed. The chase ended in a crash.

The complaint alleged that Noble drove at a dangerous speed, ran multiple stop signs and that he did not immediately help Harshbarger after the crash. The plaintiff contended that her daughter suffered serious injuries and disability as well as pain from the crash.

Mitchell sought damages of at least $50,000 plus medical and other costs.

Mitchell was represented by Alton attorney Edward Unsell. The city and Noble were represented by Charles Pierce.

The case number is Madison case number 06-L-416.