CLEVELAND (AP) — A church official says a large crowd is expected at the memorial service for a 12-year-old boy who had a pellet gun when he was shot by a Cleveland police officer.
The service honoring Tamir Rice was scheduled Wednesday at Mount Sinai Baptist Church. Its development director told the Northeast Ohio Media Group (http://bit.ly/1tLm3pE ) the service would be open to the public as long as there’s available space at the church, which seats about 1,000 people.
In a statement, Tamir’s family thanked supporters and said a donation fund was set up to help cover funeral expenses.
Police say the rookie officer who shot Tamir on Nov. 22 believed the boy had a real firearm. He actually had an airsoft gun, which shoots plastic pellets.
A grand jury will consider whether charges are merited.
___
Information from: The Plain Dealer, http://www.cleveland.com