x
Breaking News
More () »

Vigil for 13-year-old killed in police chase brings up old emotions, new solutions

Community activists and Tamia Chappman's family met for a vigil to remember the teenager's life.

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio — It’s been two days since a 13-year-old girl from East Cleveland was killed and the growing memorial at the spot of her death shows the impact it’s having on the community.

On Friday, Tamia Chappman was hit and killed by a car during a police chase through the city.

"This is very tragic, very sudden," Demetria Jones, the family spokesperson, said.

"I never would have thought it'd be her time to leave yet," her brother added.

RELATED: 13-year-old girl killed while walking home from school after police chase ends in crash in East Cleveland; suspect in custody

Family and friends gathered for the vigil to remember the young girl’s life, but the focus was on preventing any other injuries or deaths.

"This was a tragedy," her brother said. "A car chase gone wrong for no reason."

An aggravated robbery on Cleveland’s west side led police to chase through East Cleveland, but the city’s councilors believe that should have never happened.

The city of Cleveland has a policy on chasing that allows them to pursue suspects wanted for violent crimes and OVI-related offenses. 

East Cleveland police were not involved in Friday's incident.

"There's a delicate balance with justice," Timothy Austin, councilman-at-large, said.

Many city officials spoke directly to the family and vowed to bring change and solutions to East Cleveland to make sure no one has to grieve another loss like this one. Even the youngest children in attendance voiced what this loss felt like.

"She was friendly," one little boy said. "She was kind, she always wanted to help people...something like this has happened to me before and I know you can get through it. If I can get through it, you can too."

Chappman had nine other siblings and took care of each of them.  Teachers remember her as a bright, young girl who had so much life ahead of her.

"She was tough but had a really good heart," one Superior Elementary School student said. "She worked really hard, had a big bright smile and she'll never be forgotten."

FROM 2014: Cleveland's police chase policy

Before You Leave, Check This Out