Case Closed In Police-Involved Shooting; No Action Taken Against Officers

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy McGinty announced Friday that no action will be taken against two Solon officers who killed a man in March after a shoot-out in Solon.

Maria Russo, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office, said in an e-mail that "the facts do not warrant any further investigation or action. This matter is now closed."

Patrolman Steven Davis and Patrolman Nicholas Kline shot and killed 22-year-old Kevin M. Bailey after he fired on them after a traffic stop on Bainbridge Road on March 17.

According to police, Bailey tried to escape from police and turned down Sunnywood Drive, where his car went over the curb and became damaged.

Davis and Kline pursued, but before they could exit their cruisers, they came under gunfire. The officers returned fire, killing Bailey. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Davis was struck by bullets in the chest and left arm, but he was wearing a bulletproof vest. Both officers were taken to the hospital, where they were treated and released.

Both officers were placed on administrative leave while the investigation into the shooting proceeds.

Davis was hired in 2008 and is a member of the Southeast Area Law Enforcement SWAT team. Kline was hired in November 2009 and is a member of the Valley Enforcement Group SWAT Perimeter team.

Both officers were on administrative leave while the incident was under investigation, which is standard procedure after an officer-involved shooting.

During the investigation, Solon Police Chief Chris Viland said the department  wants to tell the story "of the courage and professionalism of our employees" but wanted to wait until the investigation was concluded so as not to compromise the process.