Teen charged with murder in high-speed chase blames Michigan cops in lawsuit
A Michigan teen charged with murder is suing after he says the recklessness of two deputies led to the death of a passenger during a high-speed chase.
The federal lawsuit was filed on April 28 against Jackson County and two deputies with the county by Cayden Powers and the estate of Jordan Jarrell.
McClatchy News reached out to Jackson County for comment May 1 but did not immediately hear back.
On April 28, 2023, Powers, 15 years old at the time, was driving a vehicle in Jackson County, according to the civil complaint.
Powers led deputies on a high-speed chase after he and four other teens in the car with him were accused of shooting at vehicles with an Orbeez gun, according to MLive. An Orbeez gun is a toy that shoots small gel balls.
Dash cam footage obtained by MLive shows deputies chasing the vehicle. The vehicle crashes then continues driving, and deputies continue chasing it before it crashes a second time, the outlet reported.
Two passengers were ejected from the vehicle, WILX reported, including 15-year-old Jarrell.
Jarrell died as a result of his injuries, the complaint said.
Powers is charged as an adult with second-degree murder, according to court records.
However, the lawsuit says the deputies are to blame for the fatal crash.
The complaint said deputies were negligent and used 'excessive and unreasonable force and violence' when they engaged in the high-speed chase.
'It was so reckless that it demonstrated a substantial lack of concern for whether (Powers and Jarrell) would be injured,' the lawsuit said.
Jarrell was described as 'sweet, caring, and adventurous' in his obituary. He liked sports, being outside and hanging out with his friends.
The lawsuit is asking for more than $1 million in damages.
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