Former Colorado Officer Given Probation for Abandoning Woman in Path of Train

A former Colorado police officer, Jordan Steinke, has been sentenced to 30 months of supervised probation for putting a handcuffed woman in a parked police vehicle that was hit by a train, causing serious injuries. Steinke was found guilty of reckless endangerment and assault but acquitted of criminal attempt to commit manslaughter. The judge initially planned to sentence her to jail but changed his mind after both prosecutors and defense attorneys sought probation. Steinke must also perform 100 hours of community service and risks jail time if she violates her probation. The victim, Yareni Rios-Gonzalez, who suffered a brain injury, expressed conflicting feelings about Steinke's punishment. Steinke was fired from the police department and is expected to lose her certification, preventing her from becoming a police officer again. The police sergeant who parked the vehicle on the tracks still faces trial. Rios-Gonzalez has filed a lawsuit against the involved police agencies.