It was in march of last year, police in Sacramento, California, received the alarm of a man seen smashing car windows and a window in a house. Images from a police helicopter shows how the 22-year-old tvåbarnspappan Stephon Clark, running from the patrols out in the backyard in a residential area, whereupon the police open fire and unleash 20 shots against him.
According to the New York Times identified the police officers, not for Clark until three minutes after the shooting, and it took six minutes before he got any form of health care. Obduktionsrapporten shows that he was hit by at least seven shots.
In the police’s initial report on the course of events, they write that they believed that the suspect targeted a firearm against them, but the only thing that was found at the Clark’s body was a cell phone.
to be recognised as an example of police violence against black people in the united states, and led to nationwide protests from, among others, the movement Black Lives Matter.
Stevante Clark, Stephons brother, participating in protests against the police after the shooting. Arkivbild. Photo: AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli
on Saturday, announced Anne Marie Schubert, district attorney, in Sacramento, that the two officers did not break any laws when they shot and killed Stephon Clark, and that these, therefore, will not be prosecuted.
There is no doubt that a man died, but when we look at the information and the law, and adhere to our ethical obligations, is the answer to the question no, ” says Schubert, according to the New York Times.
She says that the police officers had sufficient reason to stop Clark, and adds that lethal force is allowed if the police ”have honestly and reasonably believe” that he is in danger.
” We need to realize that they are often forced to take very quick decisions, and that they find themselves in tense, uncertain and rapidly changing situations.
the rig itself for protests ahead of the announcement. Shop owners have been warned of a business organization and authorities have been told to stay away from the city centre, at least during the weekend.
Read more: 22-year-old father was shot to death by police – his ”weapon” was a mobile phone
