In the wake of the tragic police-involved shooting of 18-year-old Christian Thomas on August 29, the Cleveland Heights Police Department and city officials are working closely with the family and the community to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. A press conference was held outside Cleveland Heights City Hall on Tuesday, where family members, their attorney, and local community leaders called for the full release of body camera footage and other investigative materials.
Thomas, who was remembered by his family as a talented saxophonist, spelling bee champion, and a young man of strong faith, was shot and killed after a domestic disturbance at his home. The family’s attorney, Stanley Jackson, praised the initial release of some body camera footage but urged for the complete disclosure of all evidence to help the family understand the events that led to Thomas’s death.
Commitment to Transparency
Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren reassured the public that the city is fully committed to transparency. He emphasized that all available body camera footage and evidence have been turned over to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), which is conducting an independent investigation into the incident.
“My goal is to ensure the family receives all the information they need to understand what happened, and to do so as quickly and transparently as possible,” Seren said. “We share the family’s commitment to uncovering the truth and are working diligently to provide them with all available evidence.”
The Mayor explained that some technical delays initially slowed the transfer of certain footage, but he assured that the city is cooperating fully with investigators and is committed to making the information available on a rolling basis. “We want to ensure that nothing is withheld from the investigation and that we’re being fully transparent with the family and the public.”
Details of the Incident
On the evening of August 29, Cleveland Heights police were dispatched to a home on Yellowstone Road after receiving reports of a domestic disturbance between Christian Thomas and his father. According to initial reports, Thomas was allegedly armed and had fired a shot inside the home prior to police arrival.
Officers on the scene reported hearing Thomas’s father pleading with him to remove his finger from the trigger. A short time later, they heard a loud crash followed by a gunshot. Thomas then exited the home holding a firearm, according to police. Three Cleveland Heights officers discharged their weapons, fatally injuring him.
Despite officers administering first aid and performing CPR, Thomas tragically died at the scene. Cleveland Heights Police Chief Chris Britton later confirmed that a handgun and a single shell casing were recovered from the scene.
Chief Britton acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and confirmed that all body camera footage related to the incident will be reviewed. While the footage reviewed thus far does not show Thomas pointing his weapon at officers, Britton emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and more footage will be analyzed.
Community Support and the Department’s Response
In response to calls for further transparency, Cleveland Heights officials have expressed their full cooperation with BCI’s independent investigation. Mayor Seren and Chief Britton reiterated that their primary focus is to ensure a fair and thorough investigation while supporting the family’s desire for answers.
“Our officers are dedicated to the safety of this community, and we are committed to a transparent process,” said Chief Britton. “We understand the grief and pain this family is feeling, and we want to be fully open as we work through this investigation.”
The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure in such incidents, and an internal investigation by the Cleveland Heights Police Department is also underway.
A Focus on Healing and Justice
While the community continues to mourn the loss of Christian Thomas, local leaders, including representatives from the NAACP and Black Lives Matter Cleveland, have emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to addressing the situation. Kayla Griffin, president of the Cleveland NAACP, called for unity and patience as the investigation unfolds, while also stressing the need for transparency in policing.
Mayor Seren echoed these sentiments, expressing his commitment to ensuring that the investigation is conducted fairly and openly. He also highlighted ongoing efforts within the Cleveland Heights Police Department to strengthen community-police relations, including the implementation of programs focused on de-escalation and mental health support.
“This is a heartbreaking situation for everyone involved, and our goal is to work together as a community to find the truth and ensure accountability,” Seren said. “We want to make sure that we honor the family’s request for transparency while also maintaining trust in our police department.”
As the investigation moves forward, the city has vowed to remain fully engaged with both the family and the community, working toward healing and understanding while ensuring that justice is served.