A Dearborn police officer is on paid administrative leave after shooting and killing an unarmed suspect that was reportedly struggling for his weapon.
This happened yesterday afternoon in Detroit.
Police say the man was one of wanted for a probation violation in Redford and also suspect in a larceny earlier in the day in Dearborn.
Investigators say that there was a struggle over the officer’s weapon.
That's when the officer fired several shots - killing the man.
The National Action Network held a press conference today in response to the shooting.
Detroit police continue to investigate the shooting, but the family of Kevin Matthews and the National Action Network believe this was anything but justified.
“We want justice and we were going to fight this all the way. All the way. We are going to fight this. We are not going to let my brother die in vain,” said Matthews’ sister Kimberly Matthews. “Instead of wrapping presents for my baby, I have to bury my brother.”
“No more men should be shot down by police officers who are unarmed,” said Rev. Charles Williams II of the National Action Network. “If you can't police with your hands, don't police.”
“I love my son. He was a good boy. He was a very good boy,” said Matthews’ mother, Valerie Johnson. “Always had a smile on his face. Always would do anything he can for anybody that he could. If he had it, you had it had. He never did nobody harm.”
Some people, including police, might disagree because just that someone is unarmed does not mean that they are not a threat.
The investigation into the shooting continues.
