DETROIT (WWJ) -- A Detroit Police officer who was speeding to a scene when she caused a fatal wreck has made a deal to avoided prison time.
Teaira Iris Funderburg, 31, on Monday pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of Willful Neglect of Duty in connection with the crash that killed prominent Detroit defense attorney Clifford Woodards last year.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter against Funderburg will be dismissed at sentencing, which is set for September 30.
Just before 1 a.m. on February, 8, 2021, prosecutors say Funderburg was on duty with another officer traveling eastbound on I-96 with her emergency lights and siren activated in response to an officer needing assistance.
When Funderburg exited the freeway onto the service drive, it's alleged that she was was speeding when she ran a red light at West Chicago Rd., slamming into Woodards’ vehicle.
Woodards, 58, was taken by EMS to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Related
As part of a plea agreement, Worthy's office said Funderburg has agreed to resign her MCOLES (Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards) certification, serve one year of probation, complete 100 hours community service, and any additional terms, fines, and costs the court may impose.
Funderburg, who was placed on unpaid leave from the Detroit Police Department after the crash, will not be able to work as a police officer in Michigan without her MCOLES certificate.
She could have faced up 15 years in prison if she was convicted on the involuntary manslaughter charge.
Related
Related
