Nine officers claimed after 2012 shooting that department treats non-black officers who shoot black people more harshly than black officers who do so

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

A federal judge rejected a racial discrimination lawsuit filed by Cleveland police officers involved in a 2012 shooting that left two unarmed people dead after a high-speed chase.



Cleveland officer not guilty over deaths of two people shot at 137 times by police Read more

US district judge James Gwin’s ruling on Tuesday concluded that the nine officers produced no evidence to support their claims, Cleveland.com reported.

Eight white officers and one Hispanic officer claimed in their November 2014 lawsuit against the city and police officials that the department had a history of treating non-black officers who shoot black people more harshly than black officers who shoot black people.

The city took the officers off the street after they were involved in the 29 November 2012 chase and shooting deaths of two unarmed black suspects, Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams.

The lawsuit alleged the department violated protocol by ordering the officers back to restricted duty after allowing their return to the streets in June and July 2013.

Officer Michael Brelo was charged with voluntary manslaughter in the two deaths for firing the final shots in a 137-shot barrage. A judge found him not guilty in May. Five police supervisors indicted in the chase are awaiting trial.

A city spokesman said the city is pleased with the judge’s finding.

A message left on Wednesday seeking comment from the officers’ attorney wasn’t immediately returned.



