Deliberations begin Friday in Cortland cop case

WARREN

A jury of six women and two men begins deliberations Friday on a $2.5 million lawsuit against Jason Smith, a Cortland city police officer whose cruiser struck and killed a 16-year old girl.

The Cortland Police Department and the city are also named as defendants.

Cassandra Thompson was crossing South High Street at 11:30 p.m. on July 25, 2006, when she was hit by Smith’s cruiser.

Tests later showed that the girl’s body contained levels of OxyContin, Methadone and Valium — none of which were prescribed. Thompson also was not in a crosswalk when the accident occurred.

The victim’s father, William Thompson of Kinsman Township, filed the suit charging that Smith had been unnecessarily speeding at the time.

For the complete story, see Friday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.