CLEVELAND – Cleveland police chief said a dozen supervisors are facing disciplinary action as a result of an internal investigation into a chase and shooting that left two suspects dead.
During a news conference Tuesday, Chief Michael McGrath said 12 supervisors – one captain, one lieutenant and 10 sergeants – did not follow policy. There were a total of 46 supervisors on duty the night of the Nov. 29 chase that ended when officers fired 137 shots at a car, killing Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams.
McGrath said a list of the supervisors and the charges each is facing was released at the end of the news conference (check back later for the details).
The supervisors being disciplined showed a lack of leadership that night, McGrath said.
“In hindsight, I would have acted differently, but I was not there,” said McGrath.
A news conference at a later date will reveal disciplinary actions against the officers who were not compliant during the chase.
Last week during a news conference, the department revealed that 61 percent of the officers on duty the night of the chase did not violate policies or procedures, and 36 percent were in non-compliance. Also, the department said 65 percent of supervisors on duty followed policy/procedure, while 13 percent were not in compliance.
The Department of Justice earlier this year launched an investigation into the Cleveland Division of Police, and said a pattern of events prompted the case to be opened. The DOJ has since met with community members and groups who voiced their concerns about Cleveland police.