Authorities searching route of chase that ended in deadly shooting for weapons

CLEVELAND - Authorities are searching the pursuit route of a police chase that culminated with police firing 137 bullets killing two people and multiple officers put on leave.

Members of the Cleveland Division of Police Crime Scene Unit, along with members of ECPD and BCI are involved in the investigation at this time.

No gun was found inside the suspects’ car involved in the high-speed chase that ended with gunfire Thursday night, East Cleveland Police Chief Ralph Spotts said.

Cleveland police said an officer saw a car drive by near the Justice Center on West St. Clair Avenue and believed a shot was fired from within. That started the pursuit that began about 10:30 p.m. and lasted about 25 minutes.

At the end of the chase, two police cars were in front of the suspects’ car and were hit head on, Spotts said. Shots were fired at the car behind Heritage Middle School in East Cleveland, killing both people inside.

WEB EXTRA: Click on the video player above to watch the unedited video as NewsChannel5 Multi-Media Journalist Mike Vielhaber rode along with police during the chase.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office said a 30-year-old woman was killed. Spotts said they believe she was homeless and living in a shelter. Timothy Russell, 43, also died.

Spotts said no shell casings were found in front of the Justice Center. He said there is no evidence that this was a shootout or an exchange of gunfire.

Thirteen officers were placed on administrative leave following the incident. They are scheduled to be interviewed Monday.

Mayor Frank Jackson will hold a news conference at 12:15 p.m. to discuss the incident and use of deadly force.