St. Louis Police Crash Civil Trial to Begin Tuesday
A civil trial regarding a police vehicle crash and subsequent arrests at Bar:PM is set to commence this Tuesday.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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A civil trial is scheduled to begin this Tuesday regarding a December 18, 2023, incident where a St. Louis police SUV crashed into the Bar:PM business on South Broadway. The lawsuit follows the arrests of James Pence and Chad Morris.
Why it matters
The trial addresses allegations of misconduct following a high-profile incident involving law enforcement and local business owners. It seeks to resolve claims of assault, battery, and false arrest stemming from the encounter.
James Pence has filed a civil lawsuit against officers Ramelle Wallace and Joel Carvajal. This follows the previous dismissal of felony charges that were initially filed against Chad Morris.
The players
James Pence
He is the plaintiff who filed a civil lawsuit alleging assault, battery, and false arrest.
Chad Morris
He was initially charged with a felony following the crash, though those criminal charges were later dismissed.
Ramelle Wallace
He is a police officer named as a defendant in the civil lawsuit filed by James Pence.
Joel Carvajal
He is a police officer named as a defendant in the civil lawsuit filed by James Pence.
The details
The lawsuit stems from a crash that occurred when a police vehicle struck the South Broadway establishment. James Pence, who was handcuffed during the event, is seeking legal accountability through this civil action.
Timeline
Dec. 18, 2023: The police SUV crashed into Bar:PM.
Tuesday: The civil trial is scheduled to begin.
Legal Context
This litigation follows the pattern set by the St. Louis police incident at Bar:PM. It highlights the ongoing legal scrutiny regarding police conduct and accountability in local civil courts.
The upcoming trial may provide clarity on the events of the December crash for the St. Louis community. Residents and business owners on South Broadway can monitor the proceedings to understand the legal outcomes of this encounter.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the transition from criminal justice proceedings to civil litigation in disputes involving police conduct. Parties involved in similar incidents should track the court's final ruling to understand the legal standards for liability.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings, visit Law Enforcement.
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