EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio — The family of Tamia Chappman, the 13-year-old girl who was killed when she was struck by a stolen car during a police chase, addressed the media for the first time Friday.
Tamia died last month when an alleged carjacking on Cleveland’s west side led police on a chase through East Cleveland.
The chase ended near Euclid and Lakefront avenues in East Cleveland when the suspect vehicle struck Tamia as she crossed the street and crashed.
East Cleveland police say Tamia had been walking home from school with her siblings and cousins when she was hit in the incident. The other children witnessed the incident.
Tamia's family and its attorney called out the Cleveland Division of Police for the decisions its officers made that day. They're also urging anyone who witnessed the chase to contact the Cochran Firm. No lawsuits have been filed related to the chase as of Friday.
A 15-year-old suspect is denying the charges against him in the case. The teen, who 3News is not identifying, has been charged with murder, aggravated robbery and robbery.