A police department in Michigan released footage of a black man being fatally shot by an officer during a traffic stop in Grand Rapids earlier this month amid public calls for transparency and several rallies and protests against police brutality.
Patrick Lyoya was forced to the ground by an officer when he attempted to run away after being pulled over on April 4, video footage showed. Minutes later, after a struggle between the two, the officer was seen grabbing his gun and fatally shooting Lyoya while he was pinned to the ground.
“When I saw the video, it was painful to watch, and I immediately asked what caused this to happen and what more could have been done to prevent this from occurring,” said City Manager Mark Washington during a press conference. “I continue to ask those questions and continue to look for those answers.”
ONE PENNSYLVANIA POLICE OFFICER DEAD AND TWO HOSPITALIZED AFTER SHOOTING
Footage shows Lyoya exiting his car and attempting to flee from an officer during a traffic stop. After a lengthy struggle between the two, the officer pinned Lyoya to the ground and discharged his taser. The officer is then heard screaming at Lyoya to “let go of the Taser,” not long before he pulls out his gun and shoots him.
Police released the footage on Wednesday after Chief Eric Winstrom vowed to release video from a bodycam, a camera placed inside a patrol car, a cellphone, and a nearby home surveillance system.
Lyoya’s family members reportedly accused police of killing him “execution style.” The video shows he was face down on the ground when he was shot in the head.
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Several residents have called on city leaders such as Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and Washington to resign, with others demanding that police scale back their tactics.
The incident is still under investigation by Michigan state police to determine whether the shooting was justified, Washington told reporters Wednesday. The officer who shot Lyoya has been placed on administrative leave until further notice.
