Police in riot gear converged on a neighborhood south of Fair Park after an officer shot and killed a man during a foot chase Tuesday evening.
An angry crowd of a few hundred people gathered on Dixon Avenue, some shouting at police.
At a late night news conference, Chief David Brown said Officer Brian Rowden chased 31 year old James Harper as he fled a known drug house. The Chief says the officer and suspect fought three times during the chase.
“Officer Rowden then states at this time Mr. Harper said you’re going to have to kill me,” said Chief Brown. “And, Officer Rowden, fearing for his life, pulled out his weapon, being beaten by Mr. Harper, shot Mr. Harper.”
Family members claimed 31 year old James Harper was shot in the back.
Chief Brown says a preliminary investigation shows Harper was shot in the stomach and hand. The Chief says investigators did not find a gun in Harper’s possession.
Chief Brown says an internal investigation, the District Attorney and a grand jury will decide if the officer’s actions were appropriate.
