The family of a 16-year-old who died following a high-speed chase with Decatur police in 2023 has filed a federal lawsuit against the city, its mayor, its former police chief and two officers.

Jaiden Rashad Dejarnett, 16, a football player from Sparkman High School in Harvest, died on Sept. 4, 2023.

The suit alleges excessive force, municipal liability, wrongful death, and seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

The 10-page suit was filed in Alabama’s Northern District on Thursday by Reginald McKenzie, Dejarnett’s grandfather and guardian.

It names the city, Mayor Tab Bowling, former Police Chief Todd Pinion and two Decatur police officers.

According to the suit, Dejarnett was driving on Decatur’s Beltline when the two officers began following him for having broken headlights. A high

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