Local concerns over fatal police shooting in Minnesota

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF) – The live Facebook video of a man dying after being shot by police during a traffic stop in Minnesota has sparked outrage all across the country and has some people asking how the situation can be avoided in Chattanooga.

“I told him not to reach for it. I told him to get his hands up. You told him to get his ID sir, his driver’s license. Oh my god, please don’t tell me he’s dead. Please don’t tell me my boyfriend just went like that,” said Diamond Reynolds after a screaming statement from the officer who shot and killed her boyfriend, Philando Castile.

Reynolds broadcasted live images  on Facebook of her interaction with officer after the officer killed her boyfriend. The traffic cop pulled the couple over for broken tail light. Castle reportedly told the officer he had a gun on him and had a carry permit before reaching for his ID. According to Reynolds, the officer shot him while reaching for his wallet.

The now viral video was so disturbing that Chattanooga resident, Frank Smith tweeted a message to Chattanooga police to inquire if CPD has procedures in place to avoid a similar situation in Chattanooga.

“From my standpoint, I look at it as something that could happen to me or any of my family members so when I actually saw it happen, I’m thinking, wow, this is something affecting millions of people across the country,” Smith said.

Smith said he never got a reply.

News 12 contacted Chattanooga police to ask about their policies on this subject but they declined a  request for an interview.

News 12 then contacted the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office to find out what they would like motorists with carry permits to do when they’re pulled over for traffic violations.

“First of all, I’d like to see both your hands the steering column so that I know. Don’t reach for your insurance or anything of that sort. As I approach, let me know you have a handgun carry permit and if there are weapons in the vehicle,” said Capt Charles Lowery who is the head of the HCSO Traffic Division.

Capt. Lowery said above all else, the Sheriff’s office wants people pulled over to follow the officers every command to avoid any misunderstandings.

“Just listen to the officer and abide by the orders or instructions that particular deputies gives at that particular time,” Lowrey said.