DPD sued by family of kids killed in high speed chase and crash

DETROIT (WJBK) - The Detroit Police Department and the city are being sued for a high-speed chase that resulted in the death of a 6-year-old and 3-year-old. 

An attorney for the family of 3-year-old Mikaya and 6-year-old Michaelango Jackson filed the lawsuit in Wayne County and Federal Court, claiming the officers are responsible for the death of children in July 2015.

According to the lawsuit, Detroit police officers Richard Billingslea, Steven Fultz and Hakeem Patterson chased a car that was traveling over 100 MPH through a residential neighborhood. 

Father of child hit by suspect's car: 'When you see a child, stop your chase'

The Camaro lost control at the corner of Frankfort and Nottingham and hit five children, killing the two children who were playing outside.

According to the lawsuit, Officer Fultz claimed to see a semi-automatic weapon. A gun was never recovered at the scene, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit does not state a monetary amount the family is seeking.

The Camaro lost control at the corner of Frankfort and Nottingham and hit five children, killing the two children. 

According to the lawsuit, Officer Fultz claimed to see a semi-automatic weapon. A gun was never recovered at the scene, according to the lawsuit.

"When you are a police officer and are chasing somebody and you go into a residential neighborhood," said attorney Solomon Radner. "And you can no longer chase that person in a safe manner, you are supposed to terminate that chase."

Radnor filed the lawsuits in circuit court and federal court on behalf of the families.

Children killed by fleeing car were siblings 3 and 6 years old

"This is the kind of case that shakes every parent to the core," he said. "We see now that children can't often be safe at school, in community places and children can't be safe in their own front yard."

The lawsuit does not state a monetary amount the family is seeking. The three Detroit police officers and the city of Detroit are named in the lawsuits. One officer, Billingslea was charged with aggravated assault in another case caught on phone video allegedly throwing a man to the ground in May, 2017.

Men manhandled by Detroit cops, use of force questioned - VIDEO

FOX 2 contacted the city of Detroit but a spokesperson said it is not policy to comment on pending legal matters.