The family of a 11-year-old Battle Creek boy who was killed when he was struck by a Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office vehicle has now filed a lawsuit.

11-year-old Norman Hood, Jr. had been riding a pocket motorcycle near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Lenon St. in Battle Creek the night of May 28; a Sheriff’s Deputy, who had been responding to a reported burglary without his cruiser’s siren or lights on, ended up crashing into Hood when he turned the motorcycle.

The boy later died at the hospital in Kalamazoo.

The Battle Creek Enquirer says that on Monday, a lawsuit was filed by the Estate of Norman Hood, Jr. as well as his parents Norman Hood and Christina Valadez. It names Calhoun County as well as the unidentified deputy as defendants. The suit claims that the deputy had been speeding as he was driving without his lights or siren, and says he was “grossly negligent” in his actions. It seeks $25 million in damages plus costs and attorney’s fees.

In addition to this legal action, the Michigan State Police is investigating this incident.

Calhoun County has yet to respond or comment on the lawsuit.

 

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