Cincinnati City Council voted Wednesday to ask federal officials to independently investigate the death of Lorenzo Collins, who died after officers shot him.
Several council members said they thought some in the community would not be satisfied with conclusions reached by local law enforcement officials.
Mr. Collins, 25, of Avondale, was shot three times on Feb. 23 by police officers who said he advanced on them, brandishing a brick. He died five days later at University Hospital.
Since Mr. Collins' death, protesters have clamored for a federal investigation. Wednesday's vote was cheered by some 75 protesters, who carried a symbolic coffin into chambers and waved signs demanding justice.
The action came shortly after the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, addressing marchers outside City Hall, accused council members of "failing in their duty to stand up and speak out" on the Collins case.
Councilman Todd Portune made a motion to refer the case to the U.S. Attorney's office for independent review, seconded by Councilman Charles Winburn. The vote was 7-1 with Councilman Phil Heimlich voting no.
"This is about doing the right thing," Mr. Portune said.
Those involved in the protests praised the action.
"I think this was a great, great day and a great, great vote for the council," said the Rev. Damon Lynch Jr., president of the Baptist Ministers Conference.
Dr. Milton Hinton, president of the local NAACP, called the action fair and necessary. "Whether (an independent probe) is justified or not, public confidence in the police investigating their own actions is nil," Dr. Hinton said. "At least for once we can feel that council is doing the right thing."
Mr. Collins, who had a history of mental problems, left a locked ward at University, where he was hospitalized for observation after a Springdale theft arrest.
Cincinnati Police Officer Douglas Depodesta and University of Cincinnati Officer John E. Engel both fired shots at Mr. Collins, who was struck three times.
An investigation by the city's police homicide unit is being reviewed by Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph Deters' office. Two other city probes are under way.
Mr. Collins' family has sued the city police and university hospital for $10 million for civil rights violations and wrongful death. Their attorney, Kenneth Lawson, is one of the organizers of the recent protests.
Mr. Portune said he doubted some in the community would accept any conclusion from Mr. Deters' office because Mr. Deters is a University of Cincinnati trustee.
"No matter what the results of the investigation, there would be well-respected individuals in the community who would have questions about the results and . . . nothing short of a professional, independent, third-party investigation would be satisfactory," Mr. Portune said.
Mr. Portune said he isn't suggesting any improprieties at Mr. Deters' office or that Mr. Deters recuse himself.
Mr. Deters said his assistants are still reviewing the case for possible criminal conduct.
"Probably within about a week, there will be a determination about whether we need to go further (in the investigation) than CPD did," he said. Such a move is routine.
City Manager John Shirey said he expected to refer the case for federal review today.
The FBI has been monitoring the progress of the case through media accounts. The case could reach local FBI investigators directly or be referred back from the Washington D.C. office of the Justice Department's civil rights section, said Ed Boldt, spokesman for the local FBI office.
During the council discussion, Mr. Portune got out of his chair to thank Mr. Winburn for his stand, and the two embraced.
"If our house is clean, we have nothing to worry about," Mr. Winburn said.
Others on council said the move is in the community's best interest.
"It is very clear that regardless of the decision of the prosecutor the community would still be divided," said Mayor Roxanne Qualls.
Yes votes were: Ms. Mr. Portune, Jeanette Cissell, Minette Cooper, Dwight Tillery and Bobbie Sterne. Vice Mayor Tyrone Yates, attending a Harvard University program, issued a statement supporting council's vote.
Mr. Heimlich criticized the vote.
"For council to request a federal investigation before the three local investigations are complete, casting undeserved doubts on the reputation of the institutions and individuals conducting the investigations, is irresponsible and political grandstanding of the worse sort," Mr. Heimlich said.
Pete Ridder, president of the Fraternal Order of Police chapter representing Cincinnati Police, said he hoped any new probe would not extend the investigation.
"We've got an officer out there twisting in the wind," he said. "If it turns out that these guys acted properly, then Council ought to stand behind them."
Previous stories
MARCHERS VOW SEASON OF DISRUPTIONS May 5, 1997
PROSECUTORS GET REPORT ON FATAL SHOOTING April 29, 1997
SHOOTING PROTESTERS ALLEGE POLICE BRUTALITY April 17, 1997
DEMONSTRATORS CITE SHOOTING OF MENTAL PATIENT March 24, 1997
BAPTIST MINISTERS PROTEST AGAINST POLICE March 20, 1997
LAWSUIT SEEKS $5 MILLION March 13, 1997
PUNISH POLICE, MARCHERS URGE March 5, 1997
FATAL SHOOTING CONCERNS COMMUNITY March 2, 1997
PROBE: POLICE FIRED FOUR SHOTS AT MAN WITH BRICK Feb. 25, 1997
MAN SHOT BY POLICE AFTER CHASE Feb. 24, 1997
