Hearing for Michael Brelo, charged in police chase killings

Cleveland police officer Michael Brelo (right) has been fired for his role in a deadly November 2012 police chase, according to Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association President Steve Loomis.

(Lynn Ischay/The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland police officer Michael Brelo has been fired for his role in a November 2012 police chase that ended with 137 shots fired and two unarmed people dead, Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association President Steve Loomis confirmed.

Brelo is among 13 officers who fired into a Chevy Malibu, killing driver Timothy Russell and his passenger Malissa Williams. The shooting was a violent climax to a 22-mile chase through downtown that ended in an elementary school parking lot in East Cleveland.

Brelo, who was the only officer to face criminal charges in the shooting, was acquitted of manslaughter charges in May 2015, sparking a day of turbulent protests throughout downtown.

Loomis, chief of the union that represents Cleveland's rank-and-file police officers, did not respond to texts asking if other officers involved in the chase have been fired.

Brelo was suspended without pay since his indictment in the chase.

Following his bench trial, Brelo faced administrative charges including having minor errors on his duty report, engaging in a vehicle pursuit and leaving the city without permission, and using force contrary to division policy.

Brelo stood on a police cruiser and shot into Williams' car, according to his charging letter.

Brelo told investigators that he feared for his life when he opened fire and that his U.S. Marine Corps infantry training taught him to take an elevated position to avoid crossfire, according to a report by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Days after being acquitted of manslaughter charges, Brelo turned himself in to police following a fight with his twin brother inside his Bay Village home.

Brelo was charged with assault. He pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of persistent disorderly conduct.

City officials are expected to announce disciplinary actions against Brelo and fellow officers involved in the chase at a 1 p.m. press conference. Cleveland.com will cover the press conference live.