An attorney for the family of the young man shot and killed while holding a pellet gun in Walmart is confirming that police shot John Crawford on sight while his back was turned to them.
Surveillance video from Aug. 5 shows Crawford in the Ohio Walmart talking on a cell phone with his back to police. The 22-year-old is leaning on the unpackaged MK-177 (.177 caliber) BB/pellet rifle. Police responded to reports of an armed man in the store, shooting Crawford on sight.
Police contend that Crawford ignored their demands to drop the weapon. But Attorney Michael Wright says the tape contradicts those statements and those of witnesses who said he “looked like he was going to get violently.”
“John was doing nothing wrong in Walmart, nothing more, nothing less than shopping,” Wright said in a statement. He said the 22-year-old father of two was shot “on sight” in a “militaristic” response by police.
A special prosecutor will present the case to a grand jury on Sept. 22, according to Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. DeWine allowed Crawford’s family to view the surveillance tape, but said he does not plan to release it publicly.
“I thought the family had the right to view it,” DeWine said. “The mom did not want to view it; I understand it. The dad did view it, (but) to put the video out on TV is not the right thing to do.”
Sean Williams, one of the officers involved in the shooting, remains on administrative leave. Beavercreek Police Sgt. David Darkow, however, returned to duty.
SOURCE: Huffington Post | PHOTO CREDIT: Handout
