Cleveland Man Dies After Being Shot by Police During Domestic Violence Call

Charles R. Motley, 33, pointed a gun at officers before being struck by gunfire, authorities say.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered car window glass reflecting a faint red light, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic without depicting any actual violence or victims.The aftermath of a police shooting during a domestic violence call exposes the complex challenges facing law enforcement and the community.Cleveland Today

A 33-year-old Cleveland man, Charles R. Motley, has died after being shot by police during a domestic violence call earlier this month. Officers responded to a report of Motley being armed and potentially attempting 'suicide by cop' in his vehicle. Body camera footage shows Motley refusing to comply with officers' commands to show his hands and drop his weapon before he raised the firearm and pointed it at the police, leading one officer to open fire.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges and risks that law enforcement face when responding to volatile domestic violence situations, where the potential for violence and loss of life is high. It also raises questions about police use of force protocols and whether alternative de-escalation tactics could have prevented the fatal outcome.

The details

According to authorities, the shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. on April 4 on Lipton Avenue near Lee Road in Cleveland. Police responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic violence incident, with the caller indicating that Motley was sitting in a black Subaru Legacy and may have been armed. When officers arrived, they repeatedly ordered Motley to show his hands and drop his weapon, but he refused and instead raised the firearm and pointed it at the police. One officer then fired, striking Motley. He was transported to University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, where he died a week later on April 13.

  • The shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. on April 4, 2026.
  • Motley died on April 13, 2026, after a week-long stay at the hospital.

The players

Charles R. Motley

A 33-year-old Cleveland resident who was fatally shot by police during a domestic violence call.

Cleveland Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the domestic violence call and was involved in the shooting incident.

Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office

The agency now handling the investigation into the police shooting.

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What’s next

The Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office is now handling the investigation into the police shooting. It remains to be seen whether the officer involved will face any disciplinary action.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the complex and dangerous situations that law enforcement officers often face when responding to domestic violence calls, where split-second decisions can have life-or-death consequences. It also raises broader questions about police use of force policies and whether alternative de-escalation tactics could be more effectively employed in such volatile confrontations.