CLEVELAND – The head of Cleveland’s largest police union says the firings of six officers after a 137-shot barrage that killed two unarmed people are unbelievable, unprecedented and politically motivated.
Steve Loomis says the union has filed grievances appealing the firings of the officers, including a patrolman who was acquitted of manslaughter charges for his role in the 2012 shooting after a chase.
Loomis says those officers want their jobs back.
He also confirmed that one of those fired was Patrolman Michael Brelo, who was acquitted of manslaughter charges in May for firing the last 15 shots of the fusillade.
The officers were cited for violations such as creating a crossfire situation that could endanger officers and joining the chase and leaving the city without permission.
Loomis says it was a tragic situation but doesn’t merit firing officers.
City officials also announced they’re giving six other officers multiweek suspensions in connection with the November 2012 shooting in East Cleveland.