From NewsChannel 9: A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a Meigs County woman who died in the back of a deputy's vehicle after he drove into the
From NewsChannel 9: A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a Meigs County woman who died in the back of a deputy’s vehicle after he drove into the Tennessee river late at night.
The next day, law enforcement discovered that Deputy Leonard had driven off a boat ramp into the Tennessee river.
Smith’s body was found still hand cuffed in the back seat of the vehicle after it was recovered from the river.
Deputy Leonard’s body was recovered from the river later that day.
A new lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Tabitha Smith against the Meigs County Government and Deputy Leonard.
Deputy Leonard was with the force for 2 months before this incident and is originally from New York.
The lawsuit alleges that Leonard was not “properly trained by the county to know his assigned area of patrol and know the nature of the incident location.”
The lawsuit also notes that the location of this incident has a “history” of other people driving into the Tennessee River.
The lawsuit alleges that Leonard was not properly trained “to refrain from the use of his cell phone while transporting an arrestee” or “ensure the safety” of Smith while she was in his custody.
The lawsuit is claiming the deprivation of liberty interest and bodily integrity, wrongful death, battery and assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, gross negligence, loss of consortium, and 2 violations of Tennessee code.
The lawsuit requests a trial by jury and $10 million in damages.
Read the full lawsuit below:
