$700K Award in Mississippi Police Chase Case Thrown Out

The state Court of Appeals has thrown out a $700,000 judgment against the city of Jackson involving an accident during a police chase in 2001 in which two women were injured and a third killed.

The Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that there was no reckless disregard on the part of the office and the city was protected by governmental immunity.

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

A Hinds County judge ruled in 2010 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.