The mother of a man who was hit and killed by a police cruiser last October is now suing the city of East Cleveland and one of its officers.
Christopher Kimble, Jr.'s mother, Latoya Ceasor, filed the lawsuit earlier this month.
The crash happened at approximately 9:50 p.m. on Oct. 3 while Officer Kyle Pettus was responding to an emergency call.
As the vehicle approached the intersection of Emily Street headed east on Superior Avenue, Kimble attempted to cross the street. The vehicle collided with Kimble who rolled onto the hood of the cruiser, struck the windshield then fell on the road.
Kimble was taken to University Hospitals where he later died.
The lawsuit stated Pettus' actions were 'negligent, reckless, and/or willful and/or wanton misconduct.' It also alleged that Pettus was traveling at an 'excessively high rate of speed' through the intersection and only had one working headlight.
The lawsuit claimed the City of East Cleveland and/or Pettus intentionally and/or negligently destroyed or failed to record and preserve evidence, such as body cam footage of the incident.
Ceasor demanded $25,000 in compensatory damages, in addition to any other costs related to the incident and the lawsuit. A trial with a jury was requested as well.
