Ohio Police Struggle to Explain Why Cops Targeted a Black Motorist Before Shooting At Him 6 Times; Video Shows One Officer Knew the Driver’s Name Before the Stop
An Ohio man is recovering from multiple gunshot wounds after being shot in the back by police during a traffic stop, but his family and attorneys are questioning why he was even stopped by cops in the first place.
The Columbus Division of Police released the body camera video of an officer shooting 66-year-old Michael Cleveland in the back in Columbus, Ohio, on Feb. 5.
Cleveland was shot by Officer Joshua Ohlinger as he ran away at about 3:05 p.m. Cleveland ran after the police pulled him over near Wilson and Stanley Avenue. His attorney says he may never walk again.
“One of those shots hit him in his spinal cord…and he’s unlikely to ever walk again,” said attorney Sean Walton.
Police dash-cam video show police following a black truck for about a minute before identifying the driver as Cleveland. He drove into an alley and parked behind a building. It’s unclear if the patrol lights on the vehicle were activated while they were following him.
As soon as he parked in a lot behind a building, Cleveland exited his truck and ran between two buildings, prompting Ohlinger to say, “Hey, sir? Hey, sir?” before chasing him.
A few seconds later, Ohlinger yelled, “Hey, hands up” and immediately unloaded six shots into Cleveland. After shooting Cleveland, Ohlinger yelled, “Show me your hands! Hands Up!” Cleveland replied that he couldn’t.
Ohlinger then asked, “Where’s the gun.” Cleveland replied that he threw it. According to 10WBNS News, the officers handcuffed the 66-year-old before rendering aid. Cleveland was taken to the Grant Medical Center and reported to be stable.
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