LOOPHOLE

Group to Judge: Charge Tamir Rice Cop

Shooting victim’s supporters bypass prosecutor.

Cleveland community leaders said Monday they are invoking a state law that allows them to bypass prosecutors and go directly to a judge to request murder charges against the officers who shot and killed 12-year-old Tamir Rice last November. The county prosecutor is expected to decide whether to charge the officers, who shot Rice in the abdomen after mistaking his toy for a real gun. But Ohio is one of a few states that allow residents with “knowledge of the facts” to file a court affidavit and request an arrest without seeking approval from police or prosecutors. If approved, the arrest would be followed by a public hearing. Community leaders said they planned to file their request with six affidavits Tuesday morning.