DISTRICT ATTORNEY: ATLANTA COP WHO SHOT RAYSHARD BROOKS COULD FACE FELONY MURDER

Paul Howard, the Fulton County district attorney, said yesterday the 27-year-old black man who was fatally shot during an encounter with two white officers “did not seem to present any threat to anyone” and charges could come as soon as Wednesday.

“The fact that it would escalate to his death seems unreasonable,” Howard said. He was referring to the death of Rayshard Brooks who suffered two gunshot wounds to the back late Friday, which prompted new unrest during nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd in police custody.

A medical examiner said yesterday the gunshot wounds to the back created organ failure because of blood loss.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will present the findings of its investigation to prosecutors.

A protest broke out Saturday night at the Wendy’s where the shooting occurred and turned violent. The restaurant was set on fire and protesters closed down a freeway. The report said that police used tear gas. The scene was chaotic and about 36 people were arrested.

Police said yesterday the department terminated Officer Garrett Rolfe, who fired the fatal shots, and officer Devin Brosnan was placed on administrative duty.

The officers were called late Friday over complaints of a car blocking the Wendy’s drive-thru lane. Rolfe arrived minutes later to conduct a sobriety check.

“I know you’re just doing your job,” Brooks could be heard saying says on video. He mentioned celebrating his daughter’s birthday and admitted to having a few drinks.

Rolfe didn’t tell Brooks the results though his body camera recorded a digital readout of 0.108 — higher than the 0.08-gram blood alcohol content considered too intoxicated to drive in Georgia.

He then attempted to make an arrest.

The video shows each officer take hold of one of Brooks’ wrists as Rolfe tries to handcuff him. Brooks tries to run and the officers take him to the ground. One of the dash cameras recorded the brawl. As Brooks fights to stand, Brosnan presses a taser to his leg and threatens to stun him. Brooks grabs the taser and starts running. Rolfe fires his taser and a yelp can be heard above the weapon’s electric crackle. Rolfe runs after Brooks, and seconds later three gunshots sound.

Both officers’ body cameras were knocked to the ground in the struggle, and none of the four police cameras captured the shooting. Footage released from a Wendy’s security camera showed Brooks turn and point an object in his hand at one of the officers, who was steps behind him. The officer draws his gun and fires.

GBI spokeswoman Nelly Miles said yesterday she could not confirm whether Brooks fired the taser.

L. Chris Stewart, a Brooks family attorney, said the officer who shot him should be charged for “an unjustified use of deadly force, which equals murder.”



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