I'm innocent says death charge policeman

A white police officer has denied charges in connection with the shooting of an unarmed black man that prompted three nights of race riots in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Merlyn Shiverdecker, Officer Stephen Roach’s lawyer, yesterday filed written pleas to the charges of negligent homicide and obstructing official business. Roach, 27, was not required to appear.

Timothy Thomas, 19, was shot dead on April 7 as he fled from police trying to arrest him for mainly traffic offences.

The incident sparked violence in which dozens of people were injured and more than 800 were arrested.

His mother, Angela Leisure, filed a wrongful death lawsuit yesterday seeking unspecified damages from Roach and the city of Cincinnati.

Black activists also told the City Council they may disrupt a May 18 ceremony honouring police officers killed in the line of duty. Police spokesman Ray Ruberg said the parade would go on as planned.

‘‘We’re concerned, naturally, and we’re disturbed that any individuals would disturb our police memorial parade to honour our fallen officers,’’ Ruberg said.

Thomas was the 15th black man to die at the hands of Cincinnati police since 1995. The police union said most of those had threatened officers.