Posted on 03/09/2012 4:06:28 PM PST by Impala64ssa
ITY OF NEWBURGH – Residents and family of a 22-year-old man killed by police officers shouted down police and Newburgh officials during a news conference on Friday.
Newburgh police Chief Michael Ferrara said four officers chased Michael Lembhard inside 55 Liberty St. late Wednesday night, planning to take him into custody on an arrest warrant. Lembhard struggled with the officers, broke free and grabbed a 12.5-inch kitchen knife, Ferrara said. He threatened to kill himself and then suddenly lunged at officers with a knife, Ferrara said. Two opened fire.
Before Ferrara finished, people in the crowded City Hall chambers began to shout. The next 15 minutes were filled with shouting from residents and family members. On behalf of the family, Omari Shakur demanded an independent investigation and a special prosecutor.
Mayor Judy Kennedy said she was committed to a thorough investigation and a special prosecutor might be part of the process. It wasn't clear how the city would make that happen.
Orange County District Attorney Frank Phillips said the investigation is ongoing and they still don't have answers for several questions, including the number of times Lembhard was shot. An autopsy was being performed even as the news conference convened, Phillips said. Final decisions about whether the officers' actions were justified will be made by a Grand Jury, Phillips said.
Police didn't release the names of the two officers who fired, but Ferrara said they will be named in the future.
pulled a blade on officers serving an arrest warrant?
not the recommended course of action..
I know this is hard to comprehend, but it seems there is a difference of opinion on whether your description of the incident is the true one.
It’s still anybody’s guess, but the initial impression I get is that the cops did the right thing this time.
You mean they didn’t even shoot someone’s 15-year-old blind tail-wagging dog?
“there is a difference of opinion on whether your description of the incident is the true one.”
When blacks are involved there always is. I bet his mother says he was a nice boy too.
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Who said he did that? |
The police chief. In the second paragraph.
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The claim is the victim lunged with a knife. There has been no credible evidence offered to support that contention. All that's known is a citizen was shot and killed by police. |
Having a press conference on a killing is all I need to know to form my opinion.
IF it happened that way. The dog-shooters lie a lot.
Bad form to shout down a news conference. Not that it would make a difference to anyone present.
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