Boynton Beach Settles for $300K After 5-Year-Old’s Tragic Death in Police Chase

Miner Road, Boynton Beach, Florida, USA - The City of Boynton Beach is officially paying $300,000 to the family of Jayden Carlos Ethan Readon, a tragedy stemming from a reckless police chase that occurred in 2016. Young Jayden, just five years old, was walking along a sidewalk with his great-grandparents and younger brother when an SUV, driven by Lex Eugene who was evading police, struck him down. The family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Officer Mark Sohn and the city, accusing them of negligence and a blatant disregard for public safety. As the Readon family’s heartbreak continues, they are offered a settlement that brings some closure, albeit without an admission of wrongdoing from the city or the police department.

According to WSVN, the police pursuit had been initiated by Sohn without activating lights or sirens and without proper approval, highlighting a concerning lack of adherence to departmental protocol. Sohn had a documented history of disciplinary actions, including other unauthorized police pursuits. This incident with Jayden is a grim reminder of the dangers involved in police chases—dangers that extend beyond the speeding vehicles involved.

Community Reactions and Pursuit Policies

While the settlement helps the Readons heal, it also reignites discussions around the policies governing police pursuits. A look at data from the past reveals a troubling trend; police pursuits in the United States result in an estimated daily death toll, with nearly half of the fatalities involving innocent bystanders. It seems there’s a pressing need for reform in how law enforcement approaches pursuits. As noted by PoliceMag, a large percentage of police chases—45%—are initiated for minor traffic violations. This is simply unreasonable and calls for a reassessment of pursuit protocols.

Officer Sohn’s tumultuous career only adds to the woes. He was previously fired after another incident involving a 13-year-old boy, Stanley Davis III, who died while fleeing a traffic stop initiated by Sohn. In a bittersweet twist, Sohn was ordered to be reinstated by an arbitrator in May 2024, claiming the city had not properly informed him of his policy violations. This decision prompted a public outcry, with community members demanding accountability. The Boynton Beach city commission responded by unanimously voting to appeal the reinstatement, showcasing their commitment to ensuring safer practices. The appeal will be taken up by the Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal, whose decision will either validate the city’s actions or reinstate Sohn anew.

A Call for Change

These unfortunate events should spark a broader conversation about the safety and accountability measures within police departments. As communities call for reform, it becomes essential to develop pursuit policies that prioritize public safety and mitigate risks for innocent civilians. The tragic fate of young Jayden Readon shouldn’t simply be a footnote in a poorly managed police pursuit. It must serve as a catalyst for real change, with clearer guidelines that can prevent such devastating incidents in the future.

Ultimately, the Boynton Beach community holds its breath as they await the legal proceedings surrounding Officer Sohn and the ripple effects of these regrettable events. As the pursuit policies stand scrutinized, one must wonder—what steps will be taken to ensure that no other family must endure the heartache that the Readons have? The answer lies not only within the courtroom but in how public safety is redefined for the future.