In his State of the City address on Thursday evening, Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren outlined potential significant changes for the community in light of the police-involved shooting of 18-year-old Christian Thomas.
During the Q&A session of his address, Seren addressed several questions posed by Thomas’s family regarding the
ongoing investigation into the shooting, which occurred in August when police were called to the family’s home for a disturbance involving Thomas and his father.
Body camera footage from Cleveland Heights Police captured interactions with a relative who indicated that Thomas was armed. The video later shows the father informing officers that he did not want to leave his son alone inside the home. Shortly thereafter, an officer reported seeing Thomas at the front door with a gun. Moments later, a loud crash and a gunshot were heard from within the residence, followed by police firing at Thomas as he exited the home, weapon in hand. Tragically, Thomas died as a result of the shooting.
One of the first questions directed to Mayor Seren was about the police department’s ability to access body camera footage effectively. Seren responded that while the footage was quickly downloaded and submitted to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the software used for public redaction was too cumbersome. He announced plans to implement a new, more efficient software solution.
Another audience member inquired about the status of an administrative review of the incident. Seren explained that he established a Bureau of Professional Standards in 2023, led by Captain Ernest Williams, which is responsible for investigating complaints against the police department, including the shooting of Thomas. He confirmed that a criminal investigation is also ongoing, with the evidence being gathered by BCI. He noted that the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office had decided to forward the case to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, where a grand jury would ultimately review the findings.
When asked why the names and personal information of the involved officers had not been released, Seren cited legal restrictions under Marsy’s Law, which protects the rights of both victims and the accused during the judicial process. He clarified, “This is not a decision made by the city but a legal obligation we must follow.”
A significant topic raised was the potential creation of a civilian-led police review board. Following the address, Seren expressed interest in discussing this idea with various stakeholders, including representatives from Everytown for Gun Safety and other municipal leaders, such as the Mayor of Baltimore, who is noted for proactive measures against gun violence.
“I believe it’s essential to have open conversations about what such a panel would entail,” Seren said. He acknowledged concerns regarding the expertise of those assessing police actions and emphasized the importance of understanding the complexities of law enforcement encounters. He is eager to explore how similar initiatives have worked in other communities, stating, “There are many factors to consider in this dialogue, and I’m interested in seeing how it can be beneficial.”
Seren’s remarks reflect a commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability within the police department while addressing community concerns about safety and justice.