In Their Own Words: Why Cleveland officers fired 137 shots - 19 Action News|Cleveland, OH|News, Weather, Sports

In Their Own Words: Why Cleveland officers fired 137 shots

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Victims car in Cleveland Police chase, November 29, 2012 Victims car in Cleveland Police chase, November 29, 2012
CLEVELAND, OH -

The state Attorney General has released video of statements given by 13 Cleveland officers about firing 137 shots killing two people.

It happened after a chase across town and reports of a gun and shots fired but no gun was found with the driver and a passenger after the shooting.

The statements reveal officers feared for their lives, they really believed the suspects had a gun or even two, and the shooting scene turned chaotic.

Officer Michael Brelo broke down as he spoke to investigators. "I mean, I'm sorry. I've never been so scared in my life," said Officer Brelo.

"In my mind I'm thinking they both had a gun. I know the passenger for sure has a gun, in my mind," said Officer Wilfredo Diaz.

Paul Box grabbed a shotgun and fired at the car though he said he didn't take particular aim. He just knew the threat was from the car.

Meantime, Brelo fired 49 shots and he even climbed up on the car of the suspects to fire but says he didn't realize he'd done that.

Ohio Attorney General Mike Dewine has steadily released documents from the incident. The Cuyahoga County prosecutor is reviewing the case for any possible charges.

The city is also continuing an internal investigation.

Copyright 2013 WOIO. All rights reserved.

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