Nov 26, 2014 | 4:48 PM Written By: Jessica B
Cleveland police have now released surveillance footage of 12-year-old Tamir Rice being shot by rookie officer Timothy Loehmann literally seconds after pulling up and exiting his vehicle. Deputy Chief Edward Tomba confirmed today that the officer shot the African-American pre-teen just “1 ½-2 seconds” after arriving at the scene.
A police spokesman said, “Upon arrival on scene, officers located the suspect and advised him to raise his hands. The suspect did not comply with the officers’ orders and reached to his waistband for the gun. Shots were fired and the suspect was struck in the torso.”
The gun in question was a toy, not unlike the BB gun fellow Ohio resident, 22-year-old John Crawford, was carrying in a Wal-Mart when he was gunned down by officers earlier this year.
According to the Police Chief, Loehmann claims he ordered Rice to raise his hands three three times by yelling from the passenger seat of the cop car as they approached. Police have released the video at the request of Rice’s family.
See the footage yourself above and share your thoughts below.
Source: Cleveland.com