Source: Scott Olson/ Getty / Getty
A man was shot and killed by a Raleigh police officer on Monday during an altercation on the city’s South Side. As an officer was chasing 24-year-old Akiel Denkins on foot witnesses say that the officer opened fire and fatally shot him.
In a statement that was released on Monday afternoon, Raleigh police chief Cassandra Deck-Brown said that a gun was found “in close proximity” to the body of Denkins. Witnesses at the scene of the incident say that not only was Denkins running away from the officer when he was shot and killed, but also said that he was unarmed and did not pose a threat to the officer. One witness told The News & Observer that Denkins was running and never brandished a weapon. Truvalia Kearney told said that the officer opened fire after falling while attempting to climb over a fence.
According to witnesses there were about six shots fired during the incident.
An investigation is being handled by the State Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh police internal affairs division. Deck-Brown also asked for “prayers” and “patience” while this matter is investigated. She said that a written report on the matter should be issued to the city manager within the next five business days.
Many people responded to the incident on social media. Here is what some folks were saying.
Let us know what you think about this latest police involved shooting.
