Local man's Cleveland Police ordeal

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Just days after Bills Safety Donte Whitner was tasered by police in Cleveland, a southtowns man is stepping forward to tell about his ordeal with Cleveland Police.

He and his family are caught up in a legal nightmare.

"I absolutely believe Dante, especially the way he was acting. He was very angry, the way I was I a year ago," said Tony Bell.

It was almost a year ago now that Tony Bell of Derby went to a Cleveland Indians game. His friend was escorted out by police, and he followed. This video actually shows Tony reaching out to straight arm someone who turned out to be a Cleveland Police Lt.

"I saw a white sleeve reach over my shoulder and my immediate reaction was keep him away from me keep the peace, 'cause I'm not from that area. I didn't want any problems," said Bell.

But it's what happened after that that Tony is facing one to ten years in prison for. Cleveland Police claim Tony tried reaching for the officers gun breaking his belt. A charge of aggravated robbery.

"I didn't have a reason to do it. I didn't have a violent past. I wouldn't know where to start when I had a gun in my hand," said Bell.

Tony's mother, Lori Bell, said, "I really believe he's innocent, I really do. I think the corruption is so deep in this city and they find every way to get around it."))

They've spent $22,000 only to have their Cleveland attorney withdraw from the case.

So they're forced to do their own research and found the arresting officer stands out with a history of forceful arrests, and is named two lawsuits.

Tony spent three days in jail, and says only at the end of that was he read his rights.

"How we've been treated is disgusting. I cannot put it any other way," said Dwayne Bell, Tony's father.

Dwayne added, "It's just torn our family apart, and no one seems to care especially the cop who came out and grabbed my son and not even said a word."

News 4 called Cleveland Police Tuesday about this case and the Lieutenant. News 4 did not get a call back.

Tony does not want to settle for a plea and may go to trial in Cleveland next month.