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Law's Michael Benza raises legal concerns of a police officer who knelt on a teenager's neck

Media | July 01, 2026 | Story by: Editorial Staff
Media Expert: Michael Benza

‘Major problems’ in Elyria teen’s arrest go beyond the officer who knelt on her neck, expert says
cleveland.com: Michael Benza, professor of practice at the School of Law, said a police officer who knelt on a 15-year-old girl's neck raised "significant concerns," arguing the teen was already restrained and the force appeared unnecessary. He also criticized officers for escalating the encounter from the outset and questioned whether the initial arrest implicated First Amendment protections.

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