Port St. Lucie Couple Sues Vero Beach Over Cop's Crash With Cyclist

A Port St. Lucie couple has filed a lawsuit against the city of Vero Beach in Indian River County Circuit Court, alleging a police officer failed to yield the right of way and caused a bicycle crash that left the husband with serious injuries.

David C. Frazier and his wife, Deborah R. Frazier, are seeking more than $50,000 in damages. The complaint alleges Vero Beach Police Officer Camilla Ann Defriese Romero cut off David Frazier on May 30, 2024, as he rode southbound in a marked bike lane just south of Beachland Boulevard while she was responding to a call.

Frazier struck the passenger side door of the officer's vehicle, flew over his handlebars and smashed his head into the window, shattering the glass, public records show. He suffered a lip laceration, cuts to his legs, abrasions on his chest, left arm and right leg, and head trauma that caused memory loss. He was treated in the emergency room and was wearing a helmet at the time.

Romero was cited for making an improper right turn under Florida Statute 316.151(1A) and told investigators she did not see Frazier, according to the filing. The lawsuit accuses the city of negligence and vicarious liability, noting that Romero was on duty and operating a city-owned vehicle. The complaint further alleges the city failed to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

Deborah Frazier is separately seeking damages for loss of consortium, claiming the crash deprived her of her husband's love, support, comfort and services, with continuing effects expected. The couple is requesting a jury trial.

City officials declined to comment on the pending litigation.

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