A Hamilton County grand jury will launch an investigation as early as next week into the police shooting of an unarmed black man in Over-the-Rhine.

Roach

Thomas

        The announcement came this afternoon from Hamilton County prosecutor Michael Allen, as Cincinnati was trying to restore calm after a 12-hour ordeal of violence and vandalism that erupted downtown and in Over-the-Rhine Tuesday.

        Mr. Allen said he take the case to a grand jury after reviewing the evidence in the shooting death of Timothy Thomas.

        The grand jury will determine whether Police Officer Steve Roach, a four-year veteran of the police division, should face criminal charges for firing the fatal shot Saturday.

        Meanwhile, Hamilton County commissioners joined Cincinnati officials in asking the county prosecutor to release evidence in the shooting.

        Commissioners Tom Neyer and Todd Portune signed a motion Wednesday around 10:30 a.m. calling for Mr. Allen “to release the videotape, audiotape and transcript evidence.”

        On Tuesday, Mayor Charlie Luken and other council members requested that Mr. Allen release statements made by Police Officer Steve Roach about why he shot Timothy Thomas.

        They say Mr. Thomas' family has a right to the information, “to the extent that such actions won't jeopardize the prosecutor's ability to prosecute.”

        The evidence was sealed under a grand jury subpoena requested by the Cincinnati Police. Since the subpoena was issued, police have said they cannot discuss any of the evidence or their findings.

Violence subsides, protests continue
Grand jury will probe shooting
Luken offers support to damaged areas
Report on Tuesday's violence
Photo gallery
Map of affected area