The widow of a Euclid police officer who died in a caraccident while on duty in 2007 is suing Ford Motor Co and an Ohio distributor.The lawsuit, filed Monday in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, claims thatthe 2007 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor’s fuel tank is so vulnerable topuncture that it exploded when Patrolman George Brentar lost control of hisvehicle and crashed into a pole.

The 22-year veteran of the police force was watching forspeeders on Lakeland Boulevard in 2007 when he veered off road and slammed intoa pole. The car ignited on impact.

The lawsuit claims that the vehicle had two problems. First,the car did not come equipped with an electronic stability control feature. Andsecond, and most directly linked to Brentar’s death was the positioning of thegas tank.

The fuel tank was behind the rear axle of the car, making itextremely easy to puncture.

Ford has released a statement expressing sympathy forBrentar’s family but denying any blame for his death.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a caraccident, it is important to speak to a lawyer you can trust, an attorneywith experience. Please contact the Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers of Friedman& Bonebrake, P.C. by calling 312-466-8200.