After Shootout, City Officials Praise Police Department

City officials have thrown their support and praise behind the Solon Police Department in the wake of a shootout in a subdivision that left a 22-year-old man dead.

Vice Mayor Ed Kraus said Monday during the city council meeting that he won't discuss the details of what occured late on March 17, but he offered praise and support for the entire police force, including the two officers involved in the incident.

"I am going to commend the men and women of our police department," Kraus said. "There’s a saying that there’s no real routine traffic stop when you’re in law enforcement, and that was never more true."

At about 9:45 p.m. on March 17, a police officer pulled over of Sylvania Township on Bainbridge Road.

According to police, Bailey tried to escape from police and turned down Sunnywood Drive, where his car went over the curb and became damaged.

Two police officers pursued, but before they could exit their cruisers, they came under gunfire. The police returned fire, killing Bailey. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

One of the officers was struck by bullets in the chest and left arm, but he was wearing a bulletproof vest. Both officers were taken to the hospital, where they were treated and released.

The two officers, whose names have not been released, are on administrative leave while the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation looks into the shooting, which is standard practice after an officer-involved shooting. Police Chief Chris Viland said he expects a "positive result" from the state investigation.

Law Director Tom Lobe said the police officers escaped "unscathed" "but for the grace of God."

Mayor Susan Drucker also said that she is very happy the officers are OK.

"The welfare of all City employees is paramount to me, and I would like to publicly express my concern and support for the well-being of the officers," she said in a statement.