A copy of the Kadarious Smith fatal encounter with the Leland Police was released early Monday morning.
In the report, the officers' names were redacted because of the ongoing nature of the case.
The narrative in the report from the officer on foot says, “On Thursday, March 21, 2024, at approximately 1:45 am, Officer REDACTED’ was dispatched to 105 Davis Lane in reference to two suspects outside of the residence with handguns.
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Upon arrival, Juvenile Kadarius Smith, BM, (Black Male) jumped from the porch of 105 Davis Lane, cuffed the right side of his pants, and took off running.
At that time I, REDACTED' began the foot pursuit after Kadarius Smith.
Kadarius Smith then led Officer REDACTED’ to the rear of a dark residence that appeared to be abandoned.
I, Officer REDACTED’ then stopped the foot pursuit being unaware of Kadarius Smith’s location around the residence.
Kadarius Smith kept running onto Huddleston St. where he then ran out in front of Officer REDACTED’ who was driving a police unit in pursuit of Kadarius Smith.
Officer REDACTED’ could not stop the patrol unit immediately at that time which led Officer REDACTED’ to hit Kadarius Smith with the patrol unit.
Kadarius Smith was later transported by Pafford to Delta Regional Hospital.
Kadarius Smith was later pronounced dead.
Deputy Coroner Stephane Dorsey arrived at Delta Regional Hospital at 3:30 am.
No further information at this time.
The case was turned over to investigation.
The supplemental narrative in the report says, “On Thursday, March 21, 2024, at approximately 0200 hours I REDACTED’ responded to M.L.K and Huddleston St. in reference to a juvenile in possession of a firearm.
Once on scene, I REDACTED’ noticed an unknown male laying on the ground hardly responding.
The unknown male was rushed to Delta Health and Medical due to his injuries.
The unknown male was later identified as one Ka Darius Smith. Juvenile Smith was later pronounced dead by Medical personnel.
At this time, there is no further information given.
This is a pending investigation.
The report makes no effort to address the dash, or body camera footage that the attorney for Smith’s family has requested repeatedly.
The suspects with handguns in the report is the first time such an allegation was released publicly, initial statements referred to the incident as disturbing the peace, and a second statement had officers responding to a fight.
A request for a statement from the Family’s attorney Ben Crump has not been responded to at this time.
Josh Bogen, the attorney for the city of Leland made this statement. "I have previously publicly stated that there was no dash or body cam equipment on the vehicle or the officer." Bogen said, "Nor was there any on any police vehicle or officer in Leland. There hasn’t been a policy adopted requiring this equipment. I believe the PD is in the process of addressing the lack of this equipment. I do realize the report may possibly raise other questions and hopefully, the investigation and reports by the MBI and MHP will answer most or all of those concerns."
