Shelburne Cop Who Hit and Killed Cyclist Pleads Not Guilty | Seven Days

Shelburne Police Sgt. Kyle Kapitanski was involved in a fatal incident last November when he struck and killed cyclist Sean Hayes while reportedly playing a YouTube video in his police cruiser. During his court arraignment on charges of grossly negligent driving, Kapitanski asserted his innocence in front of a crowded gallery that included Hayes' family members. His attorney contended that the prosecution lacked sufficient evidence to substantiate felony charges against the sergeant.

The body camera footage from Kapitanski's patrol unit allegedly showed an anti-trans video playing at the moment of the collision. However, his attorney, David Sleigh, argued that merely having the video in his line of sight does not equate to gross negligence, asserting that there was no proof Kapitanski was actively watching it while driving. The judge overseeing the case, David Fenster, indicated that the prosecution only needed to establish probable cause to move forward, a standard lower than what would be required for a jury.

The incident occurred around 2:40 a.m. on November 11, as Kapitanski was patrolling and had just left a gas station. Hayes was reportedly stopped at the side of the road attending to his bicycle when he was struck. Investigators determined that Kapitanski did not apply the brakes before the collision, emphasizing the severity of the incident. Analyses of his department-issued tablet revealed that the YouTube video had been playing for 11 minutes prior to the crash.

The fatal collision resulted in Hayes being pronounced dead at the scene, prompting his family to pursue a civil lawsuit against the Town of Shelburne for negligence. After the hearing, the family expressed their desire for accountability from Kapitanski, with civil attorney Brooks McArthur asserting their confidence in the prosecution’s ability to seek justice.

Kapitanski, dressed in formal attire, entered a not-guilty plea and was released without restrictions as the case progresses. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison. The case has garnered significant attention, highlighting issues surrounding police accountability and public safety on roadways.