22.3 C
New York
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Latest Posts

Arizona police officer fired after shooting a 61-year-old disabled man

On Monday night, a police officer in Arizona was fired after shooting a 61-year-old crippled man nine times in the back.

Ryan Remington was fired for excessive use of force in the killing of Richard Lee Richards, who was in a motorised wheelchair when the officer shot him repeatedly in front of a home improvement store, according to Tucson police officials.

Security cameras and police body cameras were used to record the shooting at the Midvale Park Shopping Center, and the videos were afterwards disseminated on social media. Officer Stephanie Taylor and Remington face Richards from behind as he steers his wheelchair toward a Lowe’s entrance, according to body camera footage.

An officer is heard advising Richards, “Do not go into the store, sir,” but he appears to disregard the caution. According to the footage, Taylor then says, “Stop now, you need to…” before Remington begins shooting at Richards in the back and side at close range. A store clerk was also near the Lowe’s entryway, ahead of Richards, and could have been hit by one of Remington’s shots, according to Lowe’s video film.

Richards then slumps over and falls out of his chair in the horrific footage. Instead of attempting to save the man’s life, Remington rushes up to him and arrests him as he lies slumped on the ground. Soon later, Richards was pronounced dead.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero issued a statement to local media calling Remington’s conduct “unconscionable and unjustifiable.”

“It’s times like this that put our determination to uphold justice and accountability to the test,” she said. “We owe it to all Tucsonans to do this.” As investigations continue, I ask that our community stay calm and patient.”

According to Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus, Richards was suspected of shoplifting a toolbox by a Walmart clerk, and when requested to present a receipt, Richards allegedly pulled out a knife and replied, “Here’s your receipt.” According to authorities, Richards then began walking toward the Lowe’s store across the parking lot.

The store’s security liaison, Remington, was notified to the dispute and followed Richards into the parking lot, according to Magnus. The cop may be seen on video phoning for backup after Richards “pulled a knife on me.” Remington continued approaching Richards near the Lowe’s as Taylor arrived on the scene, but before she could finish telling Richards to stop, Remington began firing at him.

“To be clear, Officer Remington’s actions have severely concerned and troubled me,” Magnus added. “His use of lethal force in this event is a blatant violation of department policy and obviously contradicts several aspects of our use-of-force training,” the statement reads.

Despite possessing a Taser and the ability to switch off Richards’ wheelchair, Remington’s attorney, Mike Storie, who represents officers in the police union, told The Arizona Republic that his client “had no non-lethal options.”

Latest Posts

Don't Miss

Stay in touch

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.