Despite numerous requests, the City of Denver has refused to engage in discussions regarding payment for Christopher Cordova’s injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages, almost two and a half years after a Denver police officer was ticketed for causing a crash that resulted in his serious injuries.
Cordova expressed her disappointment to CBS News Colorado, stating that the lack of accountability is disheartening and she would have appreciated an apology.
At the age of 53, Cordova has been working as a dedicated driver for a bakery in Denver for the past 27 years. His early morning shifts involve delivering bread and baked goods throughout the city. Cordova takes pride in being a native of Denver and continues to serve his community through his long-standing profession.
Cordova was en route to his first delivery on the morning of April 13, 2021, when the incident occurred. Denver Police Officer Jacob Marsh, dressed in uniform and driving an unmarked city SUV, seemed to be working an off-duty job. As per the accident report, Marsh was traveling at a high speed in the wrong direction on Quebec Street, heading southbound in the northbound lanes. It appeared that he was tailing another driver, but there were no visible lights or sirens. Without any warning, Marsh collided with Cordova’s bakery delivery truck, estimated to be traveling at 75 mph, well above the posted speed limit of 45 mph in that area.
Cordova exclaimed, “In a sudden realization, time seemed to slow down as I found myself in a head-on collision with another vehicle.”
A felony charge of vehicular assault was filed against Marsh after the incident, as confirmed by the police. It was reported that during the incident, the officer sustained a fractured hand.
Cordova sustained severe injuries, including a fractured leg that required surgery. During the procedure, a titanium plate and eight screws were implanted in his leg. According to his attorney, the medical expenses for his treatment amounted to nearly $80,000.
Cordova and his attorney have been unsuccessful in their efforts to seek assistance from the City of Denver for two and a half years, according to their claims.
Attorney Sean Olson stated that the sole reason for our conversation is that the city has neglected to acknowledge their officer’s actions and accept responsibility.
According to Olson, he claims to have repeatedly encountered a series of “excuse after excuse” from city attorneys regarding the city’s refusal to take accountability for the events that transpired.
Marsh’s case proceeded to trial, resulting in his acquittal of the traffic charge. According to the Denver Police Department, Marsh had departed from the agency earlier this year.
Cordova expressed, “The thought consumes me each day. The pain lingers relentlessly, altering not just my life, but also my very identity.”
Olson resorted to file a lawsuit against the City of Denver on Sept. 28 after failing to persuade the city to participate in discussions.
Melissa Sisneros, a spokesperson for the Denver City Attorney’s Office, stated to CBS News Colorado that they are currently unable to provide a comment on this case due to its ongoing litigation.
In the past two and a half years, Cordova mentioned that he was contacted by the city on one occasion. They sought his testimony against Marsh for his criminal trial.
Cordova expressed his concern about the city’s unresponsiveness to his accident, questioning, “Who will be the next victim? Who will suffer like I did? I hope that doesn’t happen.”
