Officer fired over fatal shooting of Jonathan Price: ‘Egregious violation’
Shaun Lucas was charged with murder days after shooting Price. By the week's end, he'd lost his job.
The police officer in Wolfe City, Texas who shot and killed Jonathan Price has been fired.
Former Officer Shaun David Lucas was charged with murder on Monday, just days after the Saturday shooting. By the week’s end, he’d lost his job.
In a statement, the city explained that Lucas, 22, was “terminated for his egregious violation of the City’s and police department’s policies.”
“As the Mayor and Council of Wolfe City we want to extend our gratitude that the gatherings in support of Mr. Price and his family have remained peaceful,” the statement reads, “Wolfe City is a tight-knit community and we join you in mourning Jonathan’s death and the events of last week. We also ask that you remember our City employees, many of whom worked with both Mr. Price and Mr. Lucas as we eventually begin the work of healing our town and the community at large.”
USA Today is reporting that the exchange between Lucas and Price, 31, at a gas station convenience store was recorded on body camera footage, which has not been released.
A probable cause affidavit released Wednesday by the Texas Rangers provides more details in the interaction between the two. The affidavit says when Lucas arrived at the scene, Price extended his hand for a handshake, asking the officer, “You doing good?”
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Lucas told the Texas Rangers that he believed Price to be intoxicated and attempted to detain him, the affidavit said.
“I can’t be detained,” Price reportedly replied.
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Lucas continued to attempt to detain Price by grabbing his arm and using verbal commands, which were both unsuccessful, according to the affidavit. Lucas produced a Taser and told Price to comply or the Taser would be applied. Lucas deployed the Taser, which was not fully effective. While being tased, Price continued to walk towards Lucas.
Price appeared to reach out and grab the end of Lucas’ Taser, the affidavit said. Lucas discharged his firearm four times, striking Price in the upper torso, killing him.
S. Lee Merritt, an attorney for the Price family, is calling for “the immediate release” of body camera video.
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