Attorney Ben Crump: MS teen 'run over,' 'killed' by police, leaving 'tire marks' on back

The family of a 17-year-old, who was allegedly run over by a Leland patrol car and later died at a hospital, has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, a press release from Crump's office states.

Kadarius Smith died in the early morning hours of March 21 when he was walking home with friends, according to Crump. The patrol cruiser chased Smith based on witness statements, Crump said.

The news release says Smith’s mother stated Kadarius was run over from behind, leaving "police cruiser tire marks on his back."

Crump issued the following statement by press release:

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“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," Crump said.

“We demand that the officer who was driving the cruiser be immediately terminated, and that the unedited video footage is released to the family," Crump said. "Kadarius’ family deserves accountability and answers as to how and why he was killed by an officer in such an inhumane way.”

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ben Crump representing family of teen run over, killed by police car