CLEVELAND (AP) _ 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.
U.S. District Judge James Gwin’s ruling Tuesday concluded that the nine officers produced no evidence to support their claims, Cleveland.com reported (https://bit.ly/1OhjK8l ).
Eight White officers and one Hispanic officer claimed in their November 2014 lawsuit against the city and police officials that the department has a history of treating nonblack officers who shoot Blacks more harshly than Black officers who shoot Blacks.
The city took the officers off the street after they were involved in the Nov. 29, 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 Wednesday seeking comment from the officers’ attorney wasn’t immediately returned.
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Information from: cleveland.com, https://www.cleveland.com
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