TUCSON, Ariz. – Police said Tuesday a Tucson officer will be fired after video showed him fatally shooting a man in a motorized wheelchair while confronting him for allegedly stealing.
Surveillance video of Monday’s shooting showed Richard Lee Richards, 61, in a wheelchair entering the Lowe’s before an officer, later identified as Ryan Remington, fired a nine-shot gun in the back and side. by Richards. Richards is presumed dead shortly thereafter.
Before Richards entered the Lowe store, a Walmart employee reported that Richards was suspected of stealing a toolbox, Tucson police chief Chris Magnus said at a news conference Tuesday. When asked to show a receipt, the Walmart employee told police that Richards pulled out a knife and said, “Here’s your receipt.”
Remington has worked off-duty at Walmart and has been with the department for four years. Magnus said on Tuesday that Remington would be fired.
Here’s what we know.
What does the video of the Tucson police officer shooting show?
After Richards left the Walmart store, Remington followed him around the parking lot and could be seen on a video call as a backup.
Officer Stephanie Taylor responded, arriving at the scene as Remington was approaching Richards near Lowe’s entrance. Footage from her body-worn camera shows her rushing out of the car towards Richards.
“You need to stop,” someone said, and then, “He’s got his knife in the other hand.”
As Remington said, “Don’t go to the store, sir,” Taylor also drew a gun.
Video recorded by Lowe’s security camera shows Richards entering the store in a wheelchair, followed by two officers with their guns drawn a few steps behind him.
“Stop now. You need to -” Taylor began but was interrupted by Remington firing his gun, according to the camera video.
Richards was facing away from officers when Remington fired nine shots into Richards’ back and hip, camera footage showed. Richards immediately fell out of his chair as Remington lunged towards him and handcuffed the man who was still flat on the ground.
What We Know About Officer Ryan Remington
Officer Ryan Remington has been with the Tucson police department for four years. His attorney, Mike Storie, said in a statement that Remington “had no non-lethal option.”
“He had a Taser, but in his mind he couldn’t use it because he didn’t feel like he had the right spread to deploy it, with the wheelchair between him and Richards, ‘ said Storie.
The Pima County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the fatal shooting to consider possible criminal charges against Remington.
Sheriff Magnus said at the news conference: “To put it very clearly, I am deeply concerned and confused by Officer Remington’s actions. “His use of deadly force in this incident is a clear violation of department policy and directly contradicts many aspects of our use of force and training.”
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said Remington’s actions were “unconscionable and indisputable” and the district attorney’s office had her support in conducting the investigation.
The shooting happened a day after Tucson police announced they were investigating another incident involving an officer on duty who restrained two women on the ground outside a restaurant.
Contribution: Associated Press
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