The Cleveland Chief of Police announced that 64 law enforcement officers were found guilty of administrative infractions in a 2012 case concerning a deadly chase.
According to Police Chief Michael McGrath, who spoke with local station NewsNet5, hearings have been organized for 104 officers involved in a high-speed pursuit that resulted in a fatal shooting. McGrath added that the trial will not officially come to a close until the investigation conducted by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's office ends.
The officers are being charged with insubordination, joining the chase without permission and falsifying duty records, NewsNet5 reported.
Of the 104 officers being investigated, 74 are up against potential disciplinary action. Of those 74 officials, 64 were found guilty of administrative infractions, including speeding and not gaining clearance to join the pursuit. McGrath didn't specify what each officer's penalty would be, but did mention that 178 suspension days were given out. 63 of the 64 officers got suspension days - the longest suspension was 10 days long. Two officers received written warnings, while nine were given non-disciplinary letters on policy. Three of the officers' cases were dismissed. No terminations will be administered, McGrath said, for the violations were not severe enough to warrant such punishment.
The Nov. 29 chase resulted in the firing of one supervisor, nine suspensions and two demotions this past June. The deadly pursuit ended when 13 officers shot 137 bullets at a car, killing Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams who were sitting inside.
Hearings for the police officers began in August and September.
The chief reported to NewsNet5 that a newly-instated policy change bars officers from shooting at vehicles in motion, and had the officers observed this rule, the shootout may never have happened. The change in rules came after a study of Cleveland police's use of force in certain situations.
