Photo of Cleveland Cop Pointing Gun at Unarmed Black Women Goes Viral

Cleveland cop

A quick-thinking motorist snapped this photo of a Cleveland police officer pointing his service weapon at two unarmed black women during an accident investigation.

The motorist uploaded the photo to Reddit.com, where it went viral.

Outraged Redditors expressed their concern over the unnecessary use of force by police officers. The photo was a harsh reminder of the trigger-happy Cleveland cop who shot 12-year-old Tamir Rice who was playing with a toy gun in a park.

“Never been more upset to live in Cleveland,” one Redditor wrote.

“Here we go again…,” wrote another.

“Hopefully this makes the news and the cop responsible here is ID’d,” wrote another commenter. “If it’s true he showed zero restraint threatening car crash victims then he does not deserve that badge.”

As the news media picked up the story, the Cleveland Police Department released the cop’s report of the incident.

According to the police report, the cop witnessed the women’s car ram 2 other vehicles while fleeing from authorities.

2 men in the women’s car jumped out and ran, and the 2 women allegedly refused the cop’s orders to stay in the car.

That may be so, but that still doesn’t excuse the officer pointing a loaded weapon at 2 obviously unarmed women.

What do you think?

More from Sandrarose.com:

Not Again: Police Kill 12-Year-Old Boy Playing with Toy Pistol

If Your Son Died, Which Picture Would the News Media Use?

Cop Arrested After Shooting Driver For Not Wearing His Seat Belt (Video)

19-year-old’s death may be Stand Your Ground Case

http://citygirlzen.blogspot.com/ missarewa

Oh dear. These are perilous times. Cops are now more blood thirsty than the criminals they should be arresting.
nucynu25

Wow
<—Doesn'tTalkToStrangers

According to the police report, the cop witnessed the women’s car ram 2 other vehicles while fleeing from authorities.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
WHALE what were they fleeing from? THAT my change my opinion. Fleeing from an armed robbery, fleeing from a murder, fleeing from WATT???
Vegan Sheen Min Min Dawn Sheen

2 men in the women’s car jumped out and ran, and the 2 women allegedly refused the cop’s orders to stay in the car.

—————
Why do people NOT snap pictures of this part? Cause and effect- I do not have sympathy nor protest on behalf of any of these incidents because the facts are always misrepresented. Why stand around or pull up in the middle of a confrontation and only take a picture to provide some sort of bias? Snap a picture of the unlicensed driver running off and record the agitated female mouthing off. Because I find it hard to believe that every stop every person of color or non color are saved, holy ghost filled saint.
my view

as long as they keep getting away with it this will never stop
jeniefrumdabloc™

Keep exposing them …..
MissyJ

Le Sigh…. yes a police officer can and should point his weapon at suspects who were fleeing. Stop or I’ll Shoot… I’m all for outrage when outrage is due but NEVER expecting an officer to pull his weapon is getting ridiculous…. and I HATE cops but I can see reason
Lorenzo Chaps

told y’all we don’t need police any more. Im’ so tired of these stories.
my view

still doesn’t mean people should lose their life over a traffic stop. if I’m unarmed I shouldn’t have to die because I talk back to the cops.
my view

where is the reason? I must be missing it because these women didn’t flee they just got out the car. why not chase the ones on foot?
NakeyaJ Valued Rose since 2011

But if the cop tells you to stay in the car….and you were already fleeing the cops when you crashed….I do see what Missy is saying.
Elevated Soul

Many police officers, love to blame their actions stress.Problem is they seem to take out of their “so called stress” on black people.
<—Doesn'tTalkToStrangers

READ THE FRIGGIN WRITE UP
Sheesh
EasyBreezy

Imma go and find the full back story ’bout this picture and return to comment. This is ridiculous, but I will hold comment and first get (fully)educated about the happenings here. TTYL Auntie San & rosebushes….
Chitsngiggles

Even IF a suspect is fleeing the police doesnt have the right to shoot them. They are here to serve and protect. But what should we expect. The fraternal police was founded off the backs of runaway slaves. They were NEVER meant to serve nor protect US. I dont think I’m gonna make it through this post.
<—Doesn'tTalkToStrangers

Bring byke more of this story LOL
jeniefrumdabloc™

……….
<—Doesn'tTalkToStrangers

I’m too scared TO NOT DO WHAT the cop says, yanno
Chitsngiggles

But was the cop in any harm? Hell no….Fleeing means they were running AWAY from him. He was not in any harm….
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AMarieNaturals Lovezoe

Reserve my judgment on this one.
MissyJ

This officer has no idea WHY these women are exiting the vehicle. Let’s not pretend folks don’t plan on shooting their way out of a situation… EVERYONE deserves to live after a traffic stop.. Cops too (bastids) Protocol is to secure the scene and any victims, witnesses or perps.. They would be secured in the vehicle until it is KNOWN what their involvement is.
Chitsngiggles

I aint. Fug them. If I gotta go down for standing up for myself then that just be that.
my view

I understand what she’s saying I’m just not understanding when is it ok for the cops to kill you over something so small. But then again we don’t have the full story but still…
Bootcampgirl

How did we get to it was ok for cops to kill from THIS particular snap shot…they were fleeing, 2 ran, he told the other 2 to stay in the car, they didn’t
Bootcampgirl

Facts!!
jeniefrumdabloc™

Finally getting hits on my applications … lawd thank ya …… Jesus
BlancheD

WOOT!
Vegan Sheen Min Min Dawn Sheen

Don’t read to defend, read to comprehend. I didn’t say or imply that. I feel everyone involved should have some sort of punishment. It isn’t fair that people feel they can break laws, buck authority nor is it fair that police break laws and buck authority. In the microwave media society of today anything can be altered and edited. The old saying if you want to keep something from a black person, put it in a book still rings true today. Nobody does their own research- we just believe anything posted. Misinformation leads to more deaths than anything, in my opinion. Like teaching youths it is okay to talk back to police? Look at how most youth disrespect adults- now consider that when they are in the presence of an authority figure. If you don’t give a person bullets, they cannot shoot at you or at least the odds are less. People don’t following the rules and get killed and the families immediately file civil suits- I’d feel differently if it were like the situation in Cincinnati-that video captured by the officer’s camera showed everything start to finish. That was murder. I’ll reference the Sandra Bland case- nobody knows what happened but people photo shopped her mug shot to infinity and beyond to further their own agendas- not once hindering at the families request. We take each of these unfortunate incidents and manipulate them to what fits our consciences.
MissyJ

Are THESE women DEAD? Have I missed something?? A weapon is SUPPOSED to be a deterrent. Firing the weapon is the last resort.
jeniefrumdabloc™

Chile ….. been applying for 3 in a half years … finally some hits ….
Bootcampgirl

Jesus has blessings for both of us, my interview is Friday..*prayers going up*
<—Doesn'tTalkToStrangers

Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
<—Doesn'tTalkToStrangers

And you too?!?!?
<—Doesn'tTalkToStrangers

Hey
Bootcampgirl

Take a bow please….#standingovation
Chitsngiggles

Authority Figure? Fug their badge. They aint shyt without it their badge and gun. The punk ass cop that ILLEGALLY arrested Sandra Bland worked at Blue Bell Ice Cream before he was a cop. He was basically a NOBODY before becoming a cop. Uneducated bastid taking the law into his own hands. Cops are not allowed to kill u for talking shyt to them. PROPER training shows this. They are suppose to control and dilute a situation, not esculate it. Fug the police and every thing they were founded it on.
WHITTYwithWORDS

LEts GET ITTTTTT
WHITTYwithWORDS

You got This!
Bootcampgirl

Thanks Whitty…
SugarFoot a.k.a Ty

BBL….
MissyJ

Let’s talk about Power…. Anyone? Anyone? Wait is that allowed?
Chitsngiggles

I cant with this ole ass the cop is always right, bow down to them, they are authority. Most cops are dumb as fuk. They dont have the knowledge of a flea, but want folks to lick their asses cause they have a badge. A year ago you was a security guard at the flea market and today you “the man” cause you got a badge. Kiss my ass with that shyt.
BLOODBLOOD

So many words that can be said but really where will it get us?
MissyJ

Imma need you to spray some baby powder on the invisible font you reading so the rest of us can see……..
Chitsngiggles

Plus they say the mind of a criminal and cop are eerily the same. Not much difference in thinking and rationing. But I’m suppose to bow down to them. Not this queen right here.
aRoth

This was the same city that unloaded 130+ bullets on two ppl because the car backfired and they thought they were being shot at. The victims were unarmed.
aRoth

Have yall seen the video of the Cincinnati police officer asleep in his car……..in THE HOOD! I mean slobbin schleep.
<—Doesn'tTalkToStrangers

Whale I’m not arguing with NO cop, I’ll say what I say, but nope I’m not arguing. I’LL ARGUE IN COURT.
I got ish to do, not trying to get shot or end up dead, just because a cop says he thought I was threatening or gonna harm him. Nope.
Chitsngiggles

I think ALL cops should have a 4 year degree in Criminal Justice from an accredited college or university. So that they can FULLY understand the land of the law. Not some IDFC associate’s degree.
<—Doesn'tTalkToStrangers

It’s gonna happen sis!
Chitsngiggles

I didnt say argue, but what you will not do is make me feel less than because u have a badge. You treat me with the same respect as a citizen, that you want me to treat you with a badge. Fair is fair.
<—Doesn'tTalkToStrangers

Did they die? Not being funny.
TeeTee

I can’t with this today but he was just doing his job… a car ramming cars and two hoods jump out – who knows they could have been up too. It’s hard when a cop is now criticized for doing his job.
Bootcampgirl

So yeah, can ya’ll talk about Power…
aRoth

……and you too will become a “valued” Rose.
<—Doesn'tTalkToStrangers

Somebody give a Recap, so I can imagine I’m watching. Please and Thanks…
<—Doesn'tTalkToStrangers
my view

I missed Saturday but I keep seeing free tommy shirts
Bootcampgirl

New post
Chitsngiggles

Yes, both of them died. The cop stood on TOP of the hood and let like 50 something rounds go, but we suppose to respect them. Shiidddddddd….
1/8

From the Washington Post:

When the woman, identified as 40-year-old Moratta Davis, showed her hands to the officer, “Sgt. Bartos holstered (put his gun away) and was able to shut off and safely dismount his motorcycle,” the report continues. “He then secured Davis in handcuffs, placing her under arrest for attempting to leave the scene of two accidents.”

According to the report, Davis was also arrested for drunk driving after Bartos found an open 24-ounce can of Milwaukee’s Best beer in her car.

“There is a motorcycle officer that’s by himself and she gets out of the car and he needs to control that situation,” Cleveland Police Union President Steve Loomis told Fox 8. “Better safe than sorry.”

I’m siding with the cop on this one.
Bootcampgirl

Thanks 100
aRoth

*stereotype* Shoplifting from the hair sto’.
my view

Very well said.
aRoth

GIRL YES! Cops found NOT GUILTY.
<—Doesn'tTalkToStrangers

Wow!
lilli lilian

I’ve been there. Applying for YEARS only to receive SILENCE is real disheartening, breaks you down to the point that just getting an email or call of acknowledgement feels as good as if you got an actual job offer, “just call me, please just say something, dang”, is how I started to feel. I truly hope it turns out perfectly great for you, good luck!
<—Doesn'tTalkToStrangers

*stereotype*
OR snatch and grab from the likka sto
Itzgoingdown

How long have you been out of the joint? How many of your kids have been to jail? It’s obvious it’s one of the other or possibly both.
1/8

You’re welcome.
Nik

I’m not trigger happy but if I tell you not to get out of your vehicle and you do anyway, my assumption is you’re a badass ready to come for me. People need to learn how to LISTEN to orders. It doesn’t cancel out excessive force used by overzealous cops, but there are people out there who will harm you before you even realize they reached for something. Both sides need to operate within the confines of the law.
Lolalao

I get everything you’re saying. Just being plain disrespectful to your elders, peers, and public safety figures is plain ignorant. Are some of these cops using the training they were taught for everyone correctly. Not everyone is going to let people speak to them in a rude manner. It makes you mad knowing you’re paying their lively hood and they’re not being professional. Situations like this happen. You have some ppl that enter career fields knowing they were raised to hate someone from a different ethnicity.
sunni_daze

I’m starting to think this is how they are training these officers. Cops have become terrorist to the community.
Meme81

What are they puttin’ in the donuts? Cops actin’ all rabid and hair-trigger.
GTFOHWTBS

BS
Meme81

Well, I change my response. She was doin’ a smash and grab, just in the reverse order. I should’ve known something was off when I see her arguing with a man holding a gun.
jeniefrumdabloc™

Thanks Love !
jeniefrumdabloc™

I hope so <3
understandingoverignorance

The reason for the weapon being pulled is simple.

This was a car chase!

Car chase!

They rammed two cars!

And the officer had every right to draw his weapon after the two in the front seat of that car jumped out and ran while during a police pursuit.

Why bash the police officer for trying to protect himself after telling those ladies not to leave the vehicle that was so not safe on there end.

What part of don’t leave the car after a police chase didn’t they understand.
Tippie Toes

Well the driver was using the vehicle as a weapon and if he said stay in your car, which I believe because no officer would have both parties step out without restraining one, they should have stayed in the car
DT

Hey. Not new here but first time posting. I live in Miami, Florida and I’m a PO for Miami-dade County. I’ve been in this same exact situation on routine traffic stops. I’ve told individuals to stay inside of their vehicles, they refuse and for my safety I draw my weapon, because I don’t know why they’re refusing to obey my lawful order. All I’m saying is put yourself in that officer’s shoes from an officer safety POV. With all of the animosity towards law enforcement now you never know the mindset of people you encounter.
Noirluv45

Since when is running from the police justifiable in using deadly force unless the officer is in danger of his/her life? How is he protecting himself from someone running? Not cooperating with a police officer does not always justify deadly force. They are trained to deal with people who don’t cooperate with them, so to justify the police officer (who, by the way, might have lied on the report) using deadly force for something minor is not only not reasonable, but ridiculous!
Noirluv45

Maybe if they weren’t so trigger happy that mindset you mentioned wouldn’t be such a problem.
Noirluv45

People don’t listen. Cops need to learn to engage their training and stop using deadly force unless his/her life is in danger. Recently, the narrative has been shot now, ask questions later.
DT

“They” is very general and gives the assumption you are referring to every police officer. I’m sorry to tell you that not all of us are. It’s unfair that individuals, like yourself, stereotype all police officers because of a few bad decisions.
Noirluv45

Ebony, let me rephrase my comment. Upstanding officers like yourself are not included in my narrative. I know you have a tremendously hard job. In the 60’s, my mom worked for my hometown police department for decades. I know there are good upstanding cops out there, but lately, it’s been quite frustrating with all the unarmed killings of Black people and how the police walk away with little or no consequences for their actions. With that said, my comment addresses the trigger-happy bullies who are so quick to pull their guns. I also include those who stand up for those trigger-happy bullies – as in the case of those who lied to back up Officer Tensing’s excuse for killing Mr. Dubose . I realize there is a brother/sisterhood among cops, but like that old saying goes, “One bad apple spoils a whole bunch.”
Tammie Reed

Just got back from there THANKING GOD nothing happened to me while visiting geesh! I did see a young guy get killed in the street though with a blanket on top of him while onlookers just starred and took cell phone pics, its a sad place to live now! Glad I moved years ago!
mzwhang90210

Hi Ebony! I want to both thank & commend you for your commitment to protect & serve.

I also appreciate you sharing your experiences here on this open forum. Oftentimes we civilians forget that even seemingly routine” traffic stops have the propensity to turn deadly for you guys so… you always have to be extra diligent.

I’m certainly not excusing those rogue cops who take innocent lives…I’m simply saying I can appreciate your POV!
DT

Thanks I appreciate it. I don’t condone what’s been taking place in our country in black communities. I work in the hardest district in dade county which happens to be a black community. I completely understand and sympathize with the consensus that as an African American you cannot trust law enforcement. It’s honestly a sad situation that can be debated for hours. But thanks again.
Plantsmantx

You didn’t paste the whole description of what supposedly happened, according to the police report.

“As Sgt. [Robert] Bartos came to a stop the driver’s door also began to open,” according to the report, which was first obtained by Cleveland ABC 5. “Being alone and unaware of the driver’s intentions with the motorcycle still running, and only the clutch and rear brake engaged, he drew his weapon and ordered the driver to stay in the car.”

When the woman, identified as 40-year-old Moratta Davis, showed her hands to the officer, “Sgt. Bartos holstered and was able to shut off and safely dismount his motorcycle,” the report continues. “He then secured Davis in handcuffs, placing her under arrest for attempting to leave the scene of two accidents.”

According to the police report, the woman was in the car for the period of time that the officer had his gun unholstered. The photo shows that whoever wrote the police report lied. Look at the photo. The cop’s gun is unholstered and pointed at the woman, and she’s pretty obviously not in the car.
BLACK *I*C*E*

These laws are losing it!! I got pulled over for not signaling to turn right on my uncle’s street a few weeks ago. Stopped me right in front of his house. I questioned why so he detained me (in handcuffs in the back of the car). Then he talked sh*t to me. Asked me who the owner of THE TRUCK was to me (despite the name on my drivers license matching the name on my trucks registration). I was let go… but he REALLY wanted to take me to jail. #Texas #DrivingWhileBlack
whitty hutton

Get outta my head, girl!! ??

Just had this convo with hubby. Folks can keep heeding nameless, faceless internet professors if they want to, and keep putting themselves on the bad end of interactions with police. That’s the real tragedy.
whitty hutton

Can you give us your real name so when a video surfaces of you getting beat down or shot by a cop, I can repost your asinine comment so folks know you ain’t no “innocent” victim.

Oh, and don’t call the so-called “punk ass cops” should you, yo kids, yo mama nem, etc ever become the victims of a crime. No sense calling an “Uneducated bastid”…

You sound HIDEOUS!
whitty hutton

Reading Is Fundamental.
whitty hutton

Girl…you got BOOK sense (legal facts and shyt). You’re too smart for 99% of the folks commenting. Thats why I’m not marching or lending my voice, time, etc to none of this niggashyt where folks think it’s OK to break the law, not follow instructions, etc just cuz the officer is white.
whitty hutton

Make sure you tell them this is how you feel if you’re ever the victim of a crime.
whitty hutton

The proverbial “they”…it MUST be true.
whitty hutton

That’s what folks don’t understand. A courtroom is where you “argue” your case. But that makes too much damn sense. ShittyGiggles wants to run red lights, hit pedestrians, etc and have an officer treat her like the fukkin Queen of England. #niggashyt
whitty hutton

Just shoot yourself and rid us of this level of ignorance.
whitty hutton

Your mom worked for many DECADES in the 60s?!? A decade is ten years, dear.
mzwhang90210

Good luck! !
mzwhang90210

Yayyyyyy!!
Noirluv45

I know what a decade is. Yes, she worked for the police department for decades. Meaning she started BEFORE the 60’s.
Noirluv45

Are you a cop? If not, why are you so mad if what I said doesn’t apply to you? You call me ignorant. No dear. I suggest you repeat those words while beholding your reflection in the mirror. Not only are you ignorant, but your lack the ability to have a conversation is blinding. You come at me like a raging bull. It’s not my fault that you lack decorum. Maybe your mother or father failed you. It’s because of your lack of education and obvious lack of ability to think outside the box as you cannot comprehend that others have opinions that differ from yours. Instead of intelligently presenting a counter -argument, you resort to ad hominem attacks. Grow up. If you cannot communicate like an adult, I suggest you just sit these conversations out. If you cannot communicate without insults, DEAR, then don’t reply because I don’t have time to play with children. Have a wonderful day.
Nik

That is true. Unfortunately, some scenarios don’t afford you the opportunity to pause or second guess imminent danger.
I’keya Ross

If I or a relative were a cop, I would hope he pulled his glock too in that situation. 2 men supposedly jumped out mid police chase and these two broads got outta the car after he said to remain in the car??? Listen….they lucky they werent shot
Doink_Ahanahue

Exactly! I probably would have pulled mine to show I was serious and they needed to comply. They could have killed someone in one of the cars or a pedestrian. SMH

Looks like the trend will now be to do wrong and then make it out that the cop should not have stopped, addressed, used weapon, etc. Some of these cops are foul, but some are just doing their job
Doink_Ahanahue

This was NOT a simple traffic stop. THEY RAMMED TWO CARS WHILE FLEEING THE POLICE…

Let that marinate, then review your comment
Doink_Ahanahue

Truth!
Doink_Ahanahue

So you call him uneducated for not properly handling himself, yet is she uneducated for the same? Are you? Respect Authority even if not the person
jeniefrumdabloc™

Good Luck girl on your interview … I’m sure you will do well https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/81e4bd553e7c32084562ef11acdc2eca6a2ff59d74d6966dc2f81e11be84786b.gif
aRoth

Don’t read to defend, read to comprehend.
___________________________
Best line ever! I think I’ve even used it before.
SpiceGirl

get all facts first, then respond!