Photo: Getty Images
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department released body camera footage on Tuesday (August 22) of an officer fatally shooting a Black man in the back during an attempted traffic stop earlier this month, per USA Today.
Gary Harrell, 49, was shot and killed on August 3 after being pulled over by Indianapolis police officer Douglas Correll on suspicion of reckless driving.
In the video, Harrell got out of his vehicle before he and the officer shared a brief exchange.
"What are you doing?" Correll asked as he exited his patrol vehicle. Harrell said he was trying to not hit something with his vehicle.
When asked for his driver's license, Harrell went back to his car, saying he "just got home from prison." He returned holding a gun and cell phone.
Harrell attempted to flee the scene, prompting a foot chase.
"Stop it, drop it," Correll said as he chased after Harrell.
Seconds later, Correll fired two shots at Harrell while he had his back turned.
Harrell fell to the ground and dropped the gun after being hit once. Video doesn't indicate Harrell ever pointed the gun at the officer.
The 49-year-old was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Indianapolis Police Chief Randal Taylor asked the public to wait to make conclusions until a "thorough and complete" investigation of the incident is complete.
"I am asking for the public’s patience and trust as we investigate this thoroughly. My prayers remain with all involved,” Taylor said in a statement.
The Black Church Coalition of Indianapolis, however, is urging U.S. District Attorney Zachary Myers to launch a civil rights investigation into Indianapolis police's use of excessive force on Black citizens.
"It is clear from the bodycam footage that the officer broke the training policy," Pastor Peris Lester of Phillips Temple CME Church said. "Why is he still being paid? ... Why is the taking of a human life not a concern of the chief of police in Indianapolis?"
Watch the footage here.
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