(Cleveland) - Mayor Frank G. Jackson today released the following statement on the arbitration between the City of Cleveland and the Cleveland Police Patrolman’s Association regarding the double deadly chase in November of 2012:
“Today, an arbitrator issued an opinion regarding the discipline issued to 12 officers who fired their weapons in the police pursuit of November 29, 2012 that resulted in the death of two people.
The City terminated six of those officers and gave lengthy suspensions to the other six. We are pleased that the arbitrator confirmed the severity of the violations committed by the officers and that he upheld the termination of Officer Brelo and that he upheld the lengthy suspensions for the six officers who the City had not terminated.
We believe that the City’s decision to terminate the other five officers was justified and should have been upheld. We acknowledge that the arbitrator concluded that those officers committed serious policy violations; however, we are reviewing our options regarding the officers whose terminations were not upheld.”
The decision means former Cleveland police officer Michael Brelo will remain fired for his role in the chase, however 5 of his fellow officers may be allowed to return to work without back pay.
Brelo was acquitted of two counts of voluntary manslaughter.
The police chase cost the lives of Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams who died as 137 bullets were fired into their vehicle. Case rose to national attention because the couple were unarmed, and sparked several protests throughout the city.
(Photos by Ken Robinson/WTAM)
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