Appeals court denies request to dismiss suit

STAFF REPORT

WARREN — The 11th District Court of Appeals has upheld a judge’s ruling denying the request from the city of Cortland to dismiss a civil suit filed against one of its police officers.

The suit was filed by William D. Thompson, administrator of the estate of Cassandra N. Thompson, 16, who died when she was struck by the cruiser driven by Cortland Patrolman Jason Smith on July 25, 2006.

Smith was responding to a call about 11:30 p.m. when the girl was hit as she crossed the street. The officer was operating the cruiser without emergency lights and siren.