Police shoot unarmed suspects 137 times after pursuit in East Cleveland; 2 dead

[IndyDave1776]

Incompetence is now a defense.

Only if you work for the .gov. Otherwise, perfection is expected. Just ask Ray LaHood.

 

[rambone]

Wrists have been slapped

A total of 62 police vehicles and 115 officers chased after 2 unarmed suspects in a Chevy Malibu. 13 officers drew their weapons and fired 137 rounds into the suspects' car. The suspects had no weapons, and not a single officer reported seeing a weapon. One officer climbed on top of the suspects' vehicle and shot 49 rounds into the occupants.

The conclusion: The only guy who was fired wasn't even at the scene of the shooting. He was the supervisor. There were 2 demotions, and 9 officers who were suspended between 1-30 days. Everyone who participated in the homicide are still on the streets keeping you safe.

The sergeant dismissed Tuesday, Michael Donegan, briefly participated in the chase last November but pulled off, parked his patrol car and failed to supervise his officers, police officials said.


Cleveland punishes 12 officers in deadly chase

 

[92ThoStro]

What a mess...

full? try stuffed, overflowing, engorged or some other verbiage. full just doesnt quite cut it.

As far as shooting fleeing suspects go j7, I can imagine certainly has its merits. Seeing how dangerous police chases are, and the amount of accidents/deaths that result, either there needs to be a no-chase policy or shoot the driver policy. There was a crazy chase video on TV awhile back on one of those " Wildest Police Video " shows. It had a semi hauling lumber that was driving dangerously all over the place. They shot the rear tires out and the sparks set the lumber on fire, and the driver started shaking the trailer and dropping lumber everywhere. They did end up using a SWAT team, an officer was able to exit the vehicle, sprint, and fire while running towards the semi that was turning left at an intersection and STILL hit the driver. Driver had to stop before he eventually would bleed out.

The suspects being unarmed doesn't mean they can't use deadly force. A vehicle is worse than a gun....

 

[Kirk Freeman]

270K for malicious prosecution.

Woman wins civil lawsuit over police shooting that nearly killed - 19 Action News|Cleveland, OH|News, Weather, Sports

 

[BigBoxaJunk]

What could possibly justify them shooting 137 times?

Because after 135 they were still twitching.

 

[Timjoebillybob]

And no gun or shell casings were found in the suspects car. What could possibly justify them shooting 137 times?

Because after 135 they were still twitching.

Because that's all they had?
snopes.com: Sheriff Judd's Comments

Or for a less snarky and probably more accurate reason. 13 officers, 137 shots fired. Or just under 11 shots per officer. If it had been one officer who had fired 11 shots would that sound as bad? Would you say that after 10 rounds they were still twitching?

 

[BigBoxaJunk]

Would you say that after 10 rounds they were still twitching?

Yeah, probably could, but it wouldn't carry the same amount of funny.

 

[phylodog]

49 of those rounds were fired by one officer and he has been indicted for manslaughter as a result of his actions. That brings the average down to less than 8 each for the other 12 officers.

 

[CMB69]

270K for malicious prosecution.

Woman wins civil lawsuit over police shooting that nearly killed - 19 Action News|Cleveland, OH|News, Weather, Sports

"Police pulled her over, and then claimed she backed into a patrol car twice. They shot up her car with ten shots.

But the East Cleveland mayor found the officers were not in danger. He fired them. And later, the charges against Fitzgerald were thrown out."

Does that mean the officers lied about what happened?

 

[phylodog]

Does that mean the officers lied about what happened?

I certainly wouldn't make that assumption but it's likely I'm in the minority here. The Chief is a politician and if public outcry wanted the officers gone many Chief's will sacrifice their own to save their position. Not saying that was the case here but it's certainly enough to prevent me from passing judgement without more info.

 

[mrjarrell]

The only cop charged in the killings of the two people is going on trial. He's actually taking the stance, so far, that he doesn't remember jumping on the hood of the car and shooting the two unarmed people.

Trial to start for lone officer charged in Cleveland chase, killings - SFGate

 

[mrjarrell]

Well, the trial's going to be interesting. Looks like the involved officers may be taking the 5th. So much for the whole, "if you've done nothing wrong...." mantra.

Cleveland Cop Refuses to Testify Against Another Cop in Deadly Shooting Trial

 

[phylodog]

Can't say that I blame him in this particular instance. The prosecutor has granted immunity to two other officers who testified but has not for the officer invoking the 5th. The prosecutor then says he doesn't believe officers should be granted immunity for testifying and tells the officer in question that he should just trust that the prosecutor will not attempt to charge him with a crime.

Something doesn't add up here and the officer who has invoked the 5th did fire his weapon that night. If others are granted immunity but he is not, what else is he to do?

 

[mrjarrell]

I can't say. I support his right to invoke the 5th, but immunity should have never been handed out to anyone in this case. This one stank from the beginning and the air isn't getting any clearer.

 

[phylodog]

I can't say. I support his right to invoke the 5th, but immunity should have never been handed out to anyone in this case. This one stank from the beginning and the air isn't getting any clearer.

We're on the same sheet of music as far as this case stinking. It was beyond screwed on many levels.

 

[cce1302]

with liberty and justice for some.

 

[Blackhawk2001]

I've seen police misconduct before, so I'm not going to say there are no bad cops, incompetent cops, or mistaken police policies, but I'm also reminded, from personal experience, that after-action reports are written by folks who generally weren't there when the action took place for other folks who are prone to making decisions based on politics instead of policies.

 

[You'll shoot your eye out]

I read the entire thread. I recognize that this happened SOMEWHERE ELSE. I am not accusing our INGO LEOs of any wrong doing whatsoever. I understand that they are outside observers of this incident just like I am. Still........ I am having a problem swallowing entirely the "Deadly force is deadly force" thing.

I am willing to concede that Officers have unique problems and circumstances that they must negotiate while trying to perform their duties. I will sign on to the "Dead is dead no matter how many bullets" concept on one condition. I want an official position taken on the ABUSE OF A CORPSE......

At what point does pounding lead into dead meat become pointless, not to mention reckless endangerment of the general public?

We recognize the futility of BEATING a dead horse, why not the futility of SHOOTING one?

Now remember, I have not taken a stance on the shoot/don't shoot whatsoever....... With the info given I can't be certain on that. The shoot/stop shooting seems to be more clear cut.

 

[drop45]

WTS: Little yellow evidence markers--box of 150--Cleveland area only.

 

[mrjarrell]

The prosecutor has run into the "blue wall of silence" and asked for the officers to be treated as hostile witnesses. They're just covering up for their fellow officer now. Cleveland PD has some serious problems.

Cleveland officers silence frustrates prosecutor in police trial - LA Times