Activists Demand an Independent Investigation of a Waco Police Shooting
In Waco, Texas, on August 1, 2017, Waco police officers allegedly shot and killed Kerry Bradley, an African American. Police say 37-year-old Bradley was evading arrest when he used a GMC Denali to run over Officer William Graeber. Other officers opened fire on Bradley, whose vehicle police say still had Graeber pinned underneath. According to Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton, with the Waco Police Department, multiple officers had to work together to lift the vehicle off of Graeber. The injured officer was transported to Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center, where he was said to be in critical but stable condition, following surgery. Bradley was transported to the same hospital, where he later died. A Dallas-based group called the Next Generation Action Network claims that they have witnesses and video footage proving that Bradley was first shot, lost control of the vehicle, and then ran over the officer. The Waco Police Department points out that none of this alleged evidence has been provided as yet.
On Thursday, August 10, members of the activist group marched to the Waco Police Department. They demanded the opportunity to talk face-to-face with Police Chief Ryan Holt. Chief Holt said that discussing the case before it has been presented to the District Attorney in McLennan County is premature. He released a statement expressing condolences to the Bradley Family and Graber and his family. He said the department is cooperating with investigations and has a commitment to ensure that Waco is safe for all residents.
The Special Crimes Unit and the Texas Rangers are both investigating the fatal police shooting of Bradley.
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