$700K Award in Mississippi Chase Case Appealed

The city of Jackson, Miss., has appealed a $700,000 damage award related to an accident during a police chase in 2001 in which two women were injured and a third killed.

The state Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments on Thursday in Jackson.

The city was sued by Lee Lewis, Oda Mae Green and the estate of Margaret Stephens.

Court documents show Lewis’ car was struck by a car driven by LaMarcus Butler while being chased by Officer Gregory Jackson.

A Hinds County judge found in 2010 ruling that Jackson had been called off the chase by his supervisor, but continued to follow Butler for more than one half mile after turning off his lights and siren.

The judge found Jackson’s conduct amounted to “reckless disregard” for public safety.