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Vigil For Detroit Teen Killed While Fleeing Police Turns To Protest

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A candlelight vigil for a 15-year-old Detroit boy who crashed an all-terrain vehicle after a state trooper shocked him with a Taser turned quickly into a protest against police.

An intersection along Gratiot Avenue on Detroit's east side was shut down temporarily Wednesday night as more than 200 people gathered to remember Damon Grimes.

Some shouted obscenities at police. Two men leaped onto the rear of a police cruiser. But no arrests were made and no one was ticketed, police Sgt. Nicole Kirkwood said.

About 20 people rode ATVs to the vigil.

"It shouldn't have to be like this," said Damon Grimes' mother, Monique Grimes. "He was only 15. He enjoyed riding his bike. I just want justice for Dae Dae."

According to State Police, troopers assigned to the MSP Metro South Post, Detroit Secure Cities Partnership attempted to stop the 15-year-old driver of an ATV 4-wheeler for reckless driving. The troopers activated their emergency lights and siren, but the ATV driver refused to stop, police said, leading troopers in a pursuit eastbound on Rossini.

At some point during the chase, one of the troopers deployed a Taser, striking the teen. At Gratiot Ave., the teen lost control of the ATV, driving off the roadway onto the sidewalk before crashing into the back of a pickup truck.

Grimes was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The trooper has been suspended while police and prosecutors investigate the case.

A $50 million civil lawsuit has been filed against the trooper. Filed Wednesday in federal court, the lawsuit accuses the trooper of excessive force. Attorney Geoffrey Fieger said Grimes wasn't armed and didn't pose a threat to police.

© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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