OH: Officer faces jail after video shows suspect shot from behind

A veteran police officer faces at least eight years in prison after shooting a robbery suspect multiple times, including twice from behind, as the suspect was fleeing across a parking lot.

Ernest Stanford, 63, faces one count of felonious assault with two firearms specifications for the July 1 shooting at Silverman's Discount Store on Hayden Avenue. Stanford remains on sick leave from the department. His case goes to trial in February.

Security video shows Charles Eskridge, 39, attempting to steal a cash register from a clerk before he is tackled by Stanford. The two wrestled to the floor, and according to Stanford's statement, Eskridge attempted to take Stanford's gun.

Their fight leads to Eskridge being shot at least twice inside the store. A security camera outside the store then captures Eskridge fleeing across a parking lot when Stanford shoots him two more times before apprehending him and calling for backup.

Eskridge was shot in the back, buttocks, and face but survived. He has a long history of theft and robbery charges and served one year in prison for a sex crime involving a 3-year-old boy. He's currently listed as a Tier Two sex offender. Police reports indicate Eskridge had a crack pipe in his pocket at the time he attempted the robbery.

Court records indicate Eskridge has since reached a plea bargain and saw 11 of this 13 charges dropped. He has agreed to testify against Stanford, according to Michael Piotrowski, FOP defense attorney.

"This incident was referred to our office from the East Cleveland Police Department after they reviewed the matter," said Ryan Miday, spokesman for Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason.

"A grand jury returned the one count indictment of felonious assault. It is pending and we are the discovery phase of the case."

Original report here




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