LELAND, Miss. (WJTV) – Attorney Ben Crump will represent the family of a 17-year-old who was allegedly hit by a Leland patrol car and later died at a hospital.

According to Crump, Kadarius Smith was hit by the patrol car in the early morning hours of March 21 when he was walking home with friends. Witnesses said the patrol cruiser began chasing Smith.

Smith’s mother said he was run over from behind, leaving police cruiser tire marks on his back. 

“The circumstances surrounding Kadarius’ death are truly heartbreaking for his mother and loved ones. This tragedy should have never happened and the officers involved must be held accountable. It is unconscionable that an officer would fatally run over a teenager who was running away from them,” said Crump. “We demand that the officer who was driving the cruiser be immediately terminated, and that the unedited video footage is released to the family. Kadarius’ family deserves accountability and answers as to how and why he was killed by an officer in such an inhumane way.”