CAPE MAY, N.J., June 9 (UPI) -- The president of a group representing New Jersey state troopers said an officer acquitted of a crash that killed two sisters made "an honest mistake."
Robert Higbee, 37, a state trooper for five years, was found not guilty Monday of manslaughter, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. He ran a stop sign in September 2006 while chasing a speeder and broadsided a van, killing the driver, Jacqueline Becker, 17, and her sister, Christina, 19.
The crash occurred in Cape May County, the southernmost in New Jersey.
Witnesses said Higbee did not have his lights or siren on. He testified that is normal procedure when trying to catch up with a speeding vehicle.
David Jones, president of the New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association, said he got calls during the trial from police groups across the country.
"The guy made an honest mistake and missed a stop sign," he said while waiting for the verdict. "It's not just me -- law enforcement everywhere is appalled."
