Cop Not Charged In Force Used During George Floyd Protests

METRO CLEVELAND, OH — A Cleveland police officer who used force during the George Floyd protests last year won’t face felony criminal charges, Cleveland.com reported. Officer John Kazimer committed no felony offenses in three specific incidents, Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor James Gutierrez said in a letter obtained by the news outlet.

Video surveillance captured Kazimer hitting one protester in the back of the legs with a baton, pepper-spraying another in the face and using the baton on a third person who later needed stitches to recover from his injuries, the report states.

“After reviewing numerous videos as well as statements from both police and citizen witnesses, probable cause existed to justify the use of force,” Gutierrez wrote.

The assistant county prosecutor said the crowd protesting outside the Justice Center on May 30 outnumbered police and threw objects at officers. Gutierrez pointed to a state law that lets police use the “amount of force that is necessary to protect themselves and others, to suppress riots and to apprehend rioters when probable cause is present." Read more from Cleveland.com

‘American Idol’ Has Contestants From Cleveland

Two singers from Cleveland remain in the running in the current “American Idol” season. Mary Jo Young has advanced to the show’s Hollywood Week episodes, as Deshawn Goncalves also competes.

“My audition got so much positive feedback, especially from where I’m from. It means the world,” Young told Cleveland.com. “It’s nice to get to connect with people from Cleveland. I really love Cleveland, and having people from my hometown that support me through this journey is awesome.” Read more from Cleveland.com

Metro Cleveland Headlines:

• ‘Safety My Top Priority,’ Lakewood Mayor Says After Recent Crimes: Lakewood Mayor Meghan George said expanded surveillance camera networks and other security options are being explored after a pair of shootings in recent weeks, via Lakewood Patch.
• Raccoon Broke Into Ohio Home, Fell Asleep In Dishwasher: A central Ohio police department said it had to send its “Absurd Animal Call Officer” to deal with a raccoon found inside a home’s dishwasher, via Newsweek.
• Cleveland Residents Live In Fear Near Vacant, Problem Homes: A home that has been vacant on East 55th Street for years is one of the properties concerning nearby residents who say gunfire, vandalism and drug activity are rampant, via News 5 Cleveland.

“I’ll forever cherish beating Pittsburgh in those playoffs."

— Former Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Kendall Lamm, who has signed with the Tennessee Titans, on his time in Cleveland.

SPORTS TALK: Opening day for the Cleveland Indians is just two weeks away, as speculation continues on how their lineup will look for the April 1 season opener at Detroit. SB Nation has predicted the team’s full opening day roster, which includes ace Shane Bieber as the starting pitcher.

WEATHER IN A WORD: Windstorm

LET’S MAKE PLANS: A “Car Wash Easter Egg Hunt” will be hosted by the Rainforest Car Wash in Cleveland Heights from March 29 to April 3.

• Maple Sugar Days: Hale Farm & Village in Bath Township will host a pancake breakfast, followed by an up-close look at what it takes to make maple sugar.
• Zoo Keeper For A Day: Middle school, high school and college students are encouraged to take part in the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo program that is similar to a job shadowing program.
• Restaurant Week: Thirty-five Cleveland-area restaurants will take part in the initiative beginning Thursday.

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