VIDEO: Ohio Pursuit Ends with Deadly Force
Two Solon (Ohio) Police officers have been exonerated in the fatal shooting of a man who fled a traffic stop and opened fire on officers after a short pursuit.
The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office on Tuesday cleared Patrolmen Steven Davis and Nicholas Kline in the March 17 shooting of Kevin Bailey on Bainbridge Road. The office also released dash-cam footage from Davis' cruiser, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Officer Davis stopped Bailey at 9:45 p.m. for making an unsafe lane change. Bailey told the officer he was coming from Toledo. After further questioning, the officer smelled marijuana. The officer ran Bailey's records and found drug and weapon felonies and called for backup.
After Officer Kline arrived, the two officers approached Bailey's car again. Bailey rolled up the window and started his car. Officer Davis can be heard saying, "Don't do it."
The two officers pursued Bailey for a short distance until the suspect spun out. As the officers approach, Bailey exits the vehicle and opens fire on both officers and their cruisers.
The officers returned fire, killing Bailey. Rounds from Bailey struck Officer Davis' ballistic vest and badge. The officer returned fire through the windshield inside his cruiser.
