Free Republic

Three suspects were in custody in Cleveland on Friday after an officer was shot and killed on Thursday night, officials said. Officer James Skernivitz, 53, who had been with the department since 1998, was shot and killed, officials told news outlets. Skernivitz was working on an undercover drug operation as he and his informant were ambushed while in a car, officials said. Police Chief Calvin Williams told CBS News that “Cleveland lost one of its finest” with his death. “Detective Skernivitz gave his life trying to keep danger off the streets of Cleveland. This tragedy shows once again the valor...

Cleveland officials have provided no evidence to back statements made by Police Chief Calvin Williams that those who rioted in downtown Cleveland in the wake of volatile protests were from out of town. Police arrested 65 people during Saturday night’s protests over the police killing of George Floyd, according to Cuyahoga County Jail records. Most of the arrests happened after the Mayor Frank Jackson imposed an 8 p.m. curfew, at 7:46 p.m. Cuyahoga County spokeswoman Mary Louise Madigan said those arrested were booked into the county jail on suspicion of aggravated rioting and violating the curfew. Cleveland Police Chief Calvin...

9:10 a.m. Officials say some protesters angry over the acquittal of a police officer charged in the deaths of two unarmed suspects became violent and turned on bystanders, including some who pepper-sprayed patrons sitting at outdoor cafes downtown. Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams says 71 people were arrested Saturday night after a day of mostly peaceful protests turned more aggressive. Williams said Sunday at a news conference with Mayor Frank Jackson that another protester threw a restaurant sign at a patron, striking him in the head. He says bystanders were also accosted in at least one other instance....

An emotional Calvin Williams, once a top aide for the Shelby County Commission, apologized Friday for letting down those who have supported him over the years, but maintained he had done nothing wrong despite his conviction on bribery and extortion charges. U.S. Dist. Court Judge Samuel H. Mays Jr. disagreed, however, and sentenced him to 33 months in prison for accepting a $1,500 bribe to influence a 2002 urban renewal grant application. Advertisement Mays called Williams "a good person who's done a really stupid thing, but the stupid thing is a very serious crime. Mr. Williams made a series of...