Police cause riot
Cari Martin
The News Record
Issue date: 4/16/01 Section: National News
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Cincinnati Police expect the riots to continue throughout the night. “The night is still young,” said University Hospital emergency room nurse Jeanette Porter.
Thomas was wanted by police for 14 failures to appear in court on various charges and misdemeanors. According to Cincinnati Police, Thomas was not armed at the time of the shooting.
Police officials would not elaborate on what happened when Roach shot Thomas at the corner of 13th and Republic streets.
Roach has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure when a police officer is involved in a fatal shooting.
Fifteen African-American men have died in conflicts with Cincinnati Police since 1995, including Roger Owensby and Jeffery Irons in November.
Some police had been on duty downtown Tuesday for more than 16 hours protecting local businesses such as Leaders Furniture on West Elder and Elm Street which was looted at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Police were also called to escort firefighters and ambulances to scenes of accidents and fires in many downtown locations.
Students on campus said they believe police have not been able to deal with the deaths effectively. Roland Hairston, a third-year marketing student said, “Cincinnati officials are not properly adjusting to a growing issue. It is not wise to tear up the place you live in but I understand the need for taking recourse.”
UC Police were ready to protect campus and would not be expected to go downtown to help the Cincinnati Police Department, according to UC Police Officer Maus. Maus also said seven officers were on duty at UC last night and they had riot gear ready, but did not think the riots would move to campus.