CLEVELAND, Ohio — Ebony Hall says she wants answers.
She said her friend of 20 years, 30-year-old Malissa Williams, was allegedly killed by Cleveland officers during a police involved shooting, and she wants to know why.
“She didn’t deserve that, I mean, you can’t apologize, can you imagine somebody in a high-speed chase, they were probably high,” Hall said. “She had issues in her life and that is the only way she could cope, but I know she would never try to hurt anybody.”
Police officials said the 25-minute chase started after an officer outside the justice center said someone from the suspect vehicle fired a shot at him. The chase ended in East Cleveland.
Williams and Timothy Russell died after 13 Cleveland Police officers fired off 137 rounds. They said no gun or shell casings were found in the suspect’s vehicle.
East Cleveland police are investigating.
Cleveland Safety Director Martin Flask and Police Chief Michael McGrath said they want to express condolences to the friends and family of the two. McGrath has asked the FBI to assist in the review of the case.
Police union officials said the officers acted properly. The officers involved in the shooting in East Cleveland are currently on a three-day leave. The officers have not yet been able to give their side of the case to investigators.
City officials said the chase has raised a number of issues and concerns, including if the use of force by officers was necessary.
Timothy Russell had a prior charge of robbery and failure to comply with orders of officers, and Williams had a prior charge of attempted abduction and rape and drug possession.
“They shot at them like dogs, they gunned them down like dogs and they can’t say they are sorry, you can’t apologize,” Hall said. “Can you imagine her being in the car and people shooting at you like that, killing you?”
Police officials said they are also investigating allegations that an officer said over the radio during the chase that the suspects had a pop can and not a gun.
McGrath said they will search for answers to exactly what happened, and why, and he said they will also ask the U.S. Attorney’s office to assist in the investigation.
