CLINTON, La. (AP) - A sheriff said Friday that a deputy accidentally shot and killed a man who was being chased on suspicion of trying to steal chicken and eggs from a convenience store.
News outlets report that East Feliciana Parish Sheriff Jeff Travis announced in a press conference that the available evidence indicates the fatal shooting was accidental.
Thirty-one year-old Christopher Whitfield was killed in the Monday shooting. The shooting happened when two deputies responded to a call from a convenience store owner who said a man had broken into the outdoor cooler and stolen some food.
Travis said the deputy fired a warning shot into the ground while chasing Whitfield. Travis said the deputy’s weapon discharged again when Whitfield struck the firearm as the two men struggled. Travis said the deputy was attempting to holster the weapon when the shooting occurred.
The bullet struck Whitfield in the lower back.
Deputy Glenn Sims Sr. is on leave pending the internal investigation that Travis said is being conducted with state assistance. Local prosecutors will determine whether Sims will face criminal charges.
The sheriff said he has spoken to Whitfield’s mother and family.
“I want to send my deepest condolences to her and all of the family. I am praying for her and her family every day and I ask everyone to do the same,” Travis said during a press conference.
Dozens of demonstrators carrying “Justice for Christopher” signs gathered outside the courthouse. Some questioned law enforcement’s version of events and why the deputy drew his firearm at all. They said the investigation should be handled by an outside agency.
Whitfield’s family told news outlets that Whitfield struggled with mental health issues and did not pose a threat to law enforcement.
“You weren’t protecting and serving. You were killing,” his sister Phelicia Whitfield told The Advocate .
“We still want answers. . My brother can’t speak for himself. He’s not here.”
Travis said he has learned that Sims has a past criminal record that wasn’t previously disclosed to him.
The Advocate reported that Sims served probation for an illegal weapon discharge in 1992 and again in the early 2000s for simple battery and resisting an officer.
“The conduct that we have uncovered in the past few days concerns me greatly, and I pledge to East Feliciana Parish that we will conduct a full review of these matters and take appropriate action,” Travis said.
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