1,000 bikers rally, seek reforms in Ottawa Hills

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News - Biker Rights Issues



As more than 1,000 motorcycles circled the front driveway of Ottawa Hills Village Hall on Sunday, Darlene Thorn could hardly contain her emotions.

A rally had formed in recognition of her son, Michael McCloskey, who was shot by a village police officer one year ago that day.

"I've cried a thousand tears today - all the love, all the prayers, all the support for Michael is just such a blessing," Ms. Thorn said. "My message is God bless each and every one of these people who came out today."

Mr. McCloskey, 25, survived the shooting but was paralyzed by it. He was not at yesterday's event.

He and fellow motorcyclist Aaron Snyder were riding on Indian Road about 2:30 a.m. last May 23 when Ottawa Hills Police Officer Thomas White began following the pair. The officer eventually activated his lights and siren to pull them over for an alleged traffic violation.

White pulled his gun as he got out of his car and shot Mr. McCloskey once in the back as Mr.

McCloskey turned around to look behind him.

The officer testified at his jury trial that he thought Mr. McCloskey was reaching for a weapon and that his life was in danger.

Ottawa Hills resident Casey Talbott says the shooting was a tragedy for all involved but that discussion of it overlooks the difficulty and danger of police work.

White was convicted in Lucas County Common Pleas Court May 14 of felonious assault with a firearms specification. He faces up to 11 years in prison.

Yesterday, bikers from across Ohio and Michigan converged in Ottawa Hills to retrace the route Mr. McCloskey rode that night.

As supporters held signs that read, "We're taking a stand," "Because Mike can't," and "No more excessive force," Kayti Johnson, one of the organizers of the event, told the crowd of bikers - young and old - that Ottawa Hills village officials have "agreed to change" because of community reaction to what happened to Mr. McCloskey.

"They are going to be active about putting these issues of profiling and excessive force to rest," she said. "This is a result of all of you here. You guys have made this happen."

While there were no arrests or incidents during the ride or the 10-minute rally, some of those in attendance made derogatory comments about police. Cheers rang out when one man yelled, "Put him in general population" referring to possible special treatment for White in prison.

Ms. Johnson said the support ride and rally were sparked by the dashboard-camera video shown during White's trial that revealed what happened the night Mr. McCloskey was shot.

Motorcyclist and friend Scott Feeback started a Facebook page in support of Mr. McCloskey, and that led to yesterday's rally. Mr. Feeback said he believes Ottawa Hills officers need better training.

That is one of the recommendations coming from a group led by William "Wolf" Harrer of the Wheelers MC club. He said he would like to see Ottawa Hills police officers ride with Toledo police officers to gain more experience in handling certain situations.

Village Administrator Marc Thompson attended the event. Although he declined to specify what changes may be forthcoming for the department, he said village officials are "always looking for ways to improve our professionalism."

"Training is a big piece of that," Mr. Thompson said.

Linda Baker of Toledo said she did not know Mr. McCloskey but came out to support him at the rally because no one should have to worry about driving through Ottawa Hills.

"If you live in Toledo and you have to ride through here, as long as you're obeying the rules, there should be no problem," she said.

Robert Stewart of Oregon said supporting Mr. McCloskey was a "no-brainer."

"We're not against the police. We know it's a split-second decision, but you should always err on the side of caution," he said. "If he felt threatened, stay in the car."

Casey Talbott of Ottawa Hills stood at the corner of Richards Road and Bancroft Street as motorcyclists drove by, holding a sign that read, "We support our police."

Some jeered him.

Mr. Talbott said the shooting of Mr. McCloskey was a tragedy for all involved, including Officer White.

"I think it was a tragic circumstance, but one thing I didn't hear mentioned is how difficult it is for police officers to do their jobs," he said. "They don't get to look at it on video. They don't get to see it in slow motion, frame by frame."

Contact Jennifer Feehan at:
jfeehan@theblade.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 419-724-6129.

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