LOCAL

Driver Killed During Cleveland Chase Shot 23 Times

Tuesday December 4, 2012 5:53 PM
UPDATED: Tuesday December 4, 2012 5:54 PM

The medical examiner's office in Cleveland says two people killed when a car chase ended with a barrage of police gunfire were each shot about two dozen times.

The chase Thursday night began when an officer heard a gunshot near police headquarters, and it ended with police firing a barrage of 137 rounds.

An office spokesman said Tuesday that 43-year-old driver Timothy Russell was shot 23 times in the head, neck, torso and limbs. The office says 30-year-old Malissa Williams was shot 24 times.

No weapon or shell casings were found in their vehicle.

Their family members say firing so many shots was unjustified. They asked for a federal investigation.

Officers say the driver rammed a patrol car and nearly hit an officer, so force was necessary.