Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — A federal lawsuit has been filed against Jackson County and two sheriff’s deputies over a deadly 2023 crash involving a teenage driver.
The suit, filed Monday, claims deputies violated 15-year-old Cayden Powers’ constitutional rights when they chased him at high speeds. Powers crashed the SUV he was driving, killing 15-year-old Jordan Jarrell. Powers, now 17, is being tried as an adult and faces second-degree murder charges.
Attorney Ina O’Briant, representing Powers and Jarrell’s estate, says deputies used excessive force and acted negligently. The lawsuit also accuses the county of failing to properly train its officers.
The pursuit began after teens were allegedly firing an Orbeez toy gun at cars around 1:40 a.m. The chase ended with two crashes — one of which ejected several teens. Jarrell died from his injuries.
