Kyeiiree Meyers Killed In Granite City Police Car Accident On Illinois 203

Automobile Accidents - August 27, 2023

Kyeiiree Meyers, of St. Louis, Died Following Police Shooting and Car Accident Involving Washington Park Police Vehicle on Illinois 203

GRANITE CITY, ILLINOIS (August 27, 2023) – Kyeiiree Meyers has tragically died after a Granite City police shooting and car accident involving a Washington Park squad car.

Madison County officials are saying that the incident first began around 10:52 in Fairmont City. Kyeiiree Meyers was being pulled over during a traffic stop near Collinsville Road.

He began to flee on foot and was pursued by an officer. After a short physical altercation with the officer, he was able to break free and gain access to the officer’s squad car.

It was not long after this that the officer shot the suspect. He then fled the scene at a high rate of speed. Around 11:00 p.m. that same night, Kyeiiree Meyers got out of the squad car on Illinois 162 and Mockingbird Lane.

He was in the roadway when he was struck by a Pontoon Beach Police Department Squad car and a passenger vehicle. First responders were called to the scene in order to help him.

But he was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severe nature of his injuries. A full investigation into the shooting and subsequent car accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Granite City Police Vehicle Accidents

Far too many people are killed or seriously injured every year in police shootings. According to Statista, “Sadly, the trend of fatal police shootings in the United States seems to only be increasing, with a total 555 civilians having been shot, 75 of whom were Black, as of July 25, 2023. In 2022, there were 1,097 fatal police shootings.” There are a number of steps that police departments should take in order to avoid police shootings.

Officers should be trained to de-escalate encounters with suspects.
Officers should have less-lethal alternatives to their firearms.
Officers should be able to identify when a suspect is in the midst of a mental health crisis.

Depending on the facts of any case, a police department could be liable if an officer shoots a suspect. According to Illinois Civil Code 720 ILCS 5/7-5, “A peace officer is not justified in using force likely to cause death or great bodily harm when there is no longer an imminent threat of great bodily harm to the officer or another.” When an officer uses excessive force, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim under 42 U.S. Code § 1983.

A police department could also be liable if one of their officers hits someone with their patrol vehicle. According to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1), every driver shall exercise due care to avoid hitting any person in the roadway. They must also use their horn when necessary. Even if a pedestrian is stationary in the roadway, drivers must do everything in their power to avoid them. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any police vehicle accident.

Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
Medical records should be preserved.
Dash cam footage from the officer involved should be reviewed.
Photos of the accident site should be taken.

If a police officer is not responding to an emergency with their lights and sirens on, they must do everything that they can to avoid collisions. They are bound by the same traffic laws that everyone else must follow. When a police officer fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. The family of any person that died after being hit by a police officer may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim.

Investigating Granite City Police Vehicle Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Kyeiiree Meyers. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There are so many questions that need to be answered. Among other things, why did the officer involved in this crash fail to slow down in time to avoid hitting the victim?

Do you need more information about a Granite City police vehicle accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to helping accident victims and holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.