Crime & Safety
Discipline Recommended For Police Involved In Fatal Car Crash
Tamia Chappman, 13, was killed when Cleveland police pursued a car into East Cleveland. The chase ended in an accident that killed Chappman.
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Civilian Police Review Board recommended discipline for four police officers involved in a deadly car chase that resulted in the death of Tamia Chappman.
Cleveland police pursued a stolen SUV into East Cleveland on Dec. 20, 2019. The driver of the stolen SUV lost control of the vehicle and then hit Chappman, 13, killing her. An 11-year-old girl was also hurt in the accident, the review board noted.
The review board determined police were justified in pursuing the stolen SUV, which was taken from a woman in the parking lot of the W. 117th Street Target. However, the chase should have been stopped after it hit dangerous speeds, the board said.
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The board recommended discipline against the drivers of two police cruisers: Officer Christian Stipkovich and Officer Dustin Miller, for violating department pursuit policies.
Discipline was also recommended for two police supervisors: Sgt. Michael Chapman and Lt. Gregory Farmer, for failing to call of the chase and for failing to monitor the pursuit.
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Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams will decide what, if any, punishment the officers face, News 5 reported.
The meeting of the review board is below.
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