James R. Penny v. City of Winterset and Christian Dekker

Summary

The court held that Officer Dekker's conduct in responding to an emergency call did not rise to the level of recklessness required for liability under Iowa law. Although he entered an intersection without stopping and failed to perceive Penny's vehicle, he activated his lights and siren, slowed to a reasonable speed, looked both ways, and had no conscious knowledge of a dangerous situation. The court vacated the court of appeals decision and affirmed summary judgment for the defendants.