Benton Harbor police cleared in death of black motorcyclist

12/20/2012

Prosecutors have cleared police of any wrongdoing in the case of a black motorcyclist whose death during a police chase led to two nights of rioting last month.

In a report released yesterday, Berrien County prosecutor James Cherry also said the night-time pursuit was not motivated by race.

The motorcyclist, Terrance Shurn, was wearing a full-face helmet and gloves, making it impossible for his pursuers to determine his race, Mr. Cherry said.

Two officers took up the chase, which lasted seven minutes and reached over 120 mph before Mr. Shurn crashed into a vacant building in Benton Harbor, the report said.