EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio — A 13-year-old girl was killed during a police pursuit that began in Cleveland and ended in East Cleveland, according to East Cleveland police.
Cleveland police were in pursuit of a vehicle that was involved in an aggravated robbery, police said.
According to authorities, the pursuit began on West 117 Street in Cleveland around 3:20 p.m. after a woman exiting Target was approached by a male with a gun who demanded her vehicle.
An off duty police officer witnessed the incident and began pursuit of the vehicle, authorities said.
The male in the stolen car entered Interstate 90 heading east and traveled into East Cleveland, according to police.
A second officer joined in pursuit of the vehicle as well, police said.
The pursuit ended in a crash that occurred in the area of Euclid Avenue and Lakefront Road in East Cleveland, according to police.
A 13-year-old girl who was walking in the area was killed in the crash, police said.
The girl, identified by East Cleveland City Schools as Tamia Chappman, was a sixth grade student at Superior Elementary School.
Superior Elementary School issued the following statement regarding the girl's death:
It is with our deepest regret to inform you that one of our students was killed this afternoon. Tamia Chappman was a 6th grade student that attended Superior Elementary School. Although today is the beginning of the winter break, The East Cleveland School District will offer counseling and support for students and staff on Monday at Superior Elementary School.
A 15-year-old boy was arrested and a gun was confiscated on the scene, according to police.
A second male fled the scene on foot and has not yet been apprehended, police said.
