State police investigate teen's death

His nickname was "Mooch," and friends described him as someone who smiled easily, liked basketball, and was quiet until he knew you - a good kid who sometimes did stupid things, one of which cost him his life Wednesday night.

Police said the 13-year-old Coatesville resident was the sole occupant of a stolen SUV when it crashed and flipped on a narrow city street. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Citing the boy's age, authorities have not released his name, but friends and relatives - who have challenged the police version of events - identified him as Rasheem Butcher, a student at Gordon Education Center in the Coatesville Area School District.

State police spokesman Corey Monthei said Coatesville police sought an independent review and turned the investigation over to state police, who remained at the scene Thursday afternoon. Some residents have said Coatesville police rammed the Jeep and fired shots at the driver.

An autopsy was scheduled for early Thursday evening, but Monthei said he did not expect information to be released immediately.

"It's a tragic event, and our condolences go out to the family," said Monthei. "But we cannot work on conjecture." Monthei said no evidence had surfaced to indicate that police fired shots or made contact with the Jeep.

"What we do know is that the driver was operating a stolen vehicle in a reckless manner" and refused to pull over, Monthei said.

According to police, two Coatesville officers observed a green 2009 Jeep Patriot traveling east on Walnut Street without headlights on about 9:20 p.m. Wednesday. After a failed attempt to stop the vehicle, they checked the license plate and learned that the Jeep had been reported stolen Sunday in West Brandywine Township.

The Jeep ended up heading west on Olive Street, where it sideswiped at least four parked vehicles before rolling onto its roof and partially pinning the driver, who had not been wearing a seat belt, Monthei said.

A steady stream of visitors congregated at the crash scene Thursday. Some added balloons, stuffed animals, or candles to a growing impromptu memorial. Others became so distraught, they needed assistance to avoid collapsing. A handwritten sign said a vigil would be held Thursday night.

Sabrina Rogers, whose son, Shaquan Reid, was a friend of the victim's, said she expected a crowd.

She said Butcher had five brothers and two sisters, and an extended family that also includes Shockleys, Bowmans, and Sheltons, all longtime Coatesville residents.

"Really, everyone's his family here," she said.

Carlysha Joseph, who said she was a cousin, agreed. She said the tragedy highlighted the need for more activities for youths and a more community-minded police force.

She said her cousin had gotten in trouble before, "but he was still a good kid."

India Cooper, 15, said "Mooch" sat at her lunch table at school, where classes were canceled Thursday. The district Web site said grief counseling was available for any students who needed it.

"He was never a bad kid," Cooper said. "He was funny and was always cracking us up."

The Rev. Josh Crans, a youth minister in Coatesville, said Butcher had attended some of his youth clubs and camps.

"He was cared for and loved by a lot of people," Crans said, adding that he hoped people would not jump to conclusions before the investigation was completed. "I want the community to be solemn, not angry."

Police Chief Julius M. Canale 2d said the two officers involved in the attempted traffic stop were placed on administrative duties pending a review of the incident. The investigation is continuing, and state police are asking anyone with information to call the Embreeville barracks at 484-340-3241.