Agency: Chicago cops justified in shooting teen

[March 26, 2009]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Chicago's Independent Police Review Authority says officers were justified in fatally shooting an 18-year-old man in 2007 after he pointed a gun at them.

In a 36-page report, the authority says officers followed departmental and state guidelines when they shot Aaron Harrison on Aug. 6, 2007.

The report says independent witnesses, DNA evidence and autopsy results all support the officer's contention that Harrison was shot during a foot chase after he pointed a gun at police.

A 9 mm handgun was recovered after the shooting.

While eight witnesses claimed Harrison was unarmed, the report says none of them reported seeing officers plant a gun. His mother has sued the city.

[Associated Press]

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