More Facts Emerge about the Alleged Police Shooting of Teen Jordan Edwards
Authorities have released information that was reportedly pivotal in the decision to charge a police officer with murder in the death of Jordan Edwards, an unarmed African-American 15-year-old who was a straight-A student at Mesquite High School. Edwards was allegedly shot by a Balch Springs, Texas, police officer on April 29, 2017, resulting in national outrage. Balch Springs is a suburb of Dallas.
It was already known that police officers were at the address where the alleged shooting took place because of a call about underage drinking at a party. The officers were first inside the house and then heard shots and went outside.
The new information is partly from two of Edwards’ friend, who were riding in the back seat of the car he was shot in.
The officer who allegedly shot Edwards went to his patrol car when he ran outside. According to the warrant for his arrest, he got his department-issued rifle, a Modern Carbine, at that time, though the documents indicate it was not clear why he took that action.
The other officer ran to the vehicle Edwards, two of his brothers, and two friends were in. That officer instructed the driver to stop the car, but he didn’t. At that time, the car moved in reverse and then that same officer showed his weapon, a handgun, and told the teen again to stop the vehicle. The driver stopped momentarily and then began moving forward, the warrant says.
At that time, the officer used his gun to punch and break the rear passenger-side window. The officer who had grabbed his rifle was behind the other officer and to the right. The officer with the rifle at that point allegedly shot at the car several times as it drove past him. One of the shots allegedly struck Edwards in the forehead.
Authorities with the Balch Springs Police Department said the department discourages officers from shooting at moving vehicles. If an officer feels he must shoot at a car, it should only be if someone’s life is in danger, and shots should only be fired at the driver’s side.
In further more recent news, Edwards’ family has filed a civil lawsuit against the police officer who allegedly shot him. The family’s lawyer cited numerous occasions in which the officer allegedly demonstrated that he had a “short fuse,” including a recent incident in which he allegedly pulled a gun on a woman who rear-ended his vehicle.
–Guest Contributor
smchugh
smchugh