Guilty verdict for Ohio cop who shot unarmed motorcyclist in back

We see more and more of this type of behavior from our police officers. Why? Is it the type of training that they receive? Is it the idea that every person they stop is guilty of a crime until proven innocent? Is it the AUTHORITY mentality that seems to exist today?

By David Edwards and Stephen Webster
Saturday, May 15th, 2010 -- 4:11 pm

Thanks to a jury in Ottawa Hills, Ohio, former police officer Thomas White is facing up to 11 years behind bars: plenty of time to think about the unarmed motorist he paralyzed with an unprovoked bullet more than one year ago.

After just six hours of deliberation, the jury found White guilty of felonious assault with a gun specification, according to WTOL CBS 11 in Toledo. Sentencing is scheduled for later in June.

Days earlier during the trial, a police dashboard video was played in court, depicting officer White pulling over two motorcyclists, one of them his unwitting victim, 24-year-old Michael McCloskey.

McCloskey and his companion sped away from an intersection as the officer pulled in behind them, leading White to believe the men were running from him. Though both men pulled over almost immediately, McCloskey apparently did not hear the officer's commands to put his hands up, instead turning slightly to face White while still atop his motorcycle.

Instead of repeating himself, White fired a round into his victim's back. FULL STORY

Jury views video in Lucas County of Ottawa Hills police shooting

This video is from WTVG, broadcast May 10, 2010.