Atlanta cop fired after shooting black man dead in botched car theft investigation
the Atlanta Police Department identified the officer fired for fatally shooting a 22-year-old black man, WXIA-TV reported.
The department determined that James Burns used excessive force when he shot and killed Deravis Rogers last month. Burns was asked to investigate an alleged auto break-in at a local apartment complex when he saw Rogers driving away from him and fired, hitting him in the head. But according to WXIA, there was no indication that Rogers, who was unarmed, had either broken into or stolen any vehicle.
that Burns was notified by an off-duty officer working security at the complex.
Officials said Burns’ actions violated policy because there was no indication that he was in any danger at the time. However, they added that race was not a factor in the incident because Burns “had no idea” who he was shooting at.
“The officer simply acted in a way that we cannot support,” said a spokesperson, Sgt. Warren Pickard. “He had no idea who was in the vehicle, he had no idea if that was the vehicle he should be concerned with, he just discharged his weapon.”
no charges.
no fukking charges.
atlanta fam...
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Burns’ firing took effect on Tuesday. He has not been charged in connection with the shooting, which has prompted criticism from Rogers’ family.
“It’s a murder,” said the victim’s father, Deravis Thomas. It’s a murder and we need justice for that. He needs to be indicted and prosecuted.”
**** UPDATE*****
charges filed. warrant issued
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/warrant-issued-for-former-apd-officer-in-
shooting/402901064
he Fulton County District Attorney's Office announced an arrest warrant has been issued for former Atlanta Police Officer James Burns.
Officer James Burns fatally shot Devaris Rogers suspected of breaking into a car more than two weeks ago in Midtown.
Burns is charged with felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of violation of oath in the death.
This all started when an off-duty officer working security at this apartment complex called in for backup when he spotted a man breaking into a car.
When Burns arrived on scene, he said he spotted Rogers.
According to the officer, Rogers jumped into a car and tried to drive away when he opened fire and shot Rogers in the head.
Prosecutors say Rogers made no attempt to strike officers, and Burns was standing safely at the rear of his own squad car when shots were fired.
Police said the evidence suggests the officer fired his gun without really knowing who was in the car and when he opened fire, he violated the department's policy.
Prosecutors say Burns wasn't provided with any facts describing Rogers as a threat to the officer or the public.
the Atlanta Police Department identified the officer fired for fatally shooting a 22-year-old black man, WXIA-TV reported.
The department determined that James Burns used excessive force when he shot and killed Deravis Rogers last month. Burns was asked to investigate an alleged auto break-in at a local apartment complex when he saw Rogers driving away from him and fired, hitting him in the head. But according to WXIA, there was no indication that Rogers, who was unarmed, had either broken into or stolen any vehicle.
that Burns was notified by an off-duty officer working security at the complex.
Officials said Burns’ actions violated policy because there was no indication that he was in any danger at the time. However, they added that race was not a factor in the incident because Burns “had no idea” who he was shooting at.
“The officer simply acted in a way that we cannot support,” said a spokesperson, Sgt. Warren Pickard. “He had no idea who was in the vehicle, he had no idea if that was the vehicle he should be concerned with, he just discharged his weapon.”
no charges.
no fukking charges.
atlanta fam...
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Burns’ firing took effect on Tuesday. He has not been charged in connection with the shooting, which has prompted criticism from Rogers’ family.
“It’s a murder,” said the victim’s father, Deravis Thomas. It’s a murder and we need justice for that. He needs to be indicted and prosecuted.”
**** UPDATE*****
charges filed. warrant issued
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/warrant-issued-for-former-apd-officer-in-
shooting/402901064
he Fulton County District Attorney's Office announced an arrest warrant has been issued for former Atlanta Police Officer James Burns.
Officer James Burns fatally shot Devaris Rogers suspected of breaking into a car more than two weeks ago in Midtown.
Burns is charged with felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of violation of oath in the death.
This all started when an off-duty officer working security at this apartment complex called in for backup when he spotted a man breaking into a car.
When Burns arrived on scene, he said he spotted Rogers.
According to the officer, Rogers jumped into a car and tried to drive away when he opened fire and shot Rogers in the head.
Prosecutors say Rogers made no attempt to strike officers, and Burns was standing safely at the rear of his own squad car when shots were fired.
Police said the evidence suggests the officer fired his gun without really knowing who was in the car and when he opened fire, he violated the department's policy.
Prosecutors say Burns wasn't provided with any facts describing Rogers as a threat to the officer or the public.
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