Police Release Dashcam Video of March Shooting Death

Solon Police Chief Christopher Viland issued a formal response Monday about both the Ohio Attorney General's and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's findings in March's shooting death of a suspect by officers.

You can watch the dashcam video of the incident here. (WARNING: The video is EXTREMELY graphic. Viewer discretion is advised.)

According to a press release Viland said:

“I don’t think there was ever any question that the actions taken by the Solon Police on that night were unfortunate but necessary and completely driven by Mr. Bailey’s unprovoked choice to shoot.” The goal of the Solon Police is to operate in as transparent a manner as possible, and according to Chief Viland, “We were confident that an objective review would reach the same conclusions that we have internally, that our officers responded in a competent and professional manner to an unthinkable attack on a Sunday evening, neutralizing an armed threat by someone actively trying to take their lives, and immediately rendering first aid upon the incident’s conclusion.”

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. 

Read more:

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