Video shows unarmed Black man with special needs shot by police officer who claims he felt threatened
A man who had special needs was shot by a Philadelphia police officer who said he feared for his life as the unarmed man approached his police cruiser. --Police release bodycam video of Black boy’s ‘bag’ arrest ‘I can’t...
[griojw id=”Mum8WEB9″ playerid=”GqX43ZoG”]
TheGrio has launched a special series called #BlackonBlue to examine the relationship between law enforcement and African-Americans. Our reporters and videographers will investigate police brutality and corruption while also exploring local and national efforts to improve policing in our communities. Join the conversation, or share your own story, using the hashtag #BlackonBlue.
A man with special needs was shot by a Philadelphia police officer who said he feared for his life as the unarmed man walked through traffic asking for money and approached his car.
—Police release bodycam video of Black boy’s ‘bag’ arrest ‘I can’t breathe, take this bag off my head—
The victim, Joel Johnson, who reportedly has mental health issues, is in critical condition after a police detective shot him in the torso.
The officer fired three shots through his car window, The Daily Mail reports.
“The detective believed what he saw was a firearm in this male’s hands. The detective, believing he was going to be robbed or something was going to happen to him, produced his firearm, discharged his firearm — we believe at this time — three times,” said Philadelphia Police Captain Sekou Kinebrew.
The Johnson family, who said he was a panhandler that was well known in the area, disagrees with the officer’s version of events.
“A lot of people say he just made a hand gesture for change like he always does,” Johnson’s brother Hector Tirado told reporters. ‘The officer was on his phone and when he looked up he got startled, he got nervous, and started shooting through the window.’
—American clergyman gives Ugandans toxic bleach mix to cure AIDS, cancer and malaria—
The detective has reportedly been put on desk duty pending a full investigation.
You Might Like
