Judge allows liability suit to proceed against Cortland


January 7, 2008 at 4:16p.m.

Judge allows liability suit to proceed against Cortland

WARREN — A visiting judge has decided not to grant a summary judgment to Cortland in a lawsuit filed against the city involving a 2006 collision in which a police cruiser struck and killed a 16-year-old girl.

If visiting Judge Thomas P. Curran from Cuyahoga County would have granted the summary judgment today, the case would have been dismissed without going to trial.

The lawsuit, filed by the father of Cassandra Thompson of Kinsman, seeks damages against the city, its police department and Patrol Officer Jason Smith, a 14-year department veteran.

Cassandra died after the marked police car Smith was driving hit her about 11:30 p.m. July 25 as she tried to cross South High Street from a convenience store to a friend’s house, where she was visiting.

Smith and another officer were responding to an emergency call when Cassandra was struck.

For the complete story, see Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.