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Jor'Dell Richardson, who is Black, was shot by an officer who
chased him as he ran from a local store where police say he
shoplifted vape materials with a group of youths on June 1. He
was 14 years old.
Richardson, who was shot in the abdomen, later died at the
hospital, police said.
A multi-agency team is investigating the shooting. Reuters could
not immediately verify the race of the officers involved.
One of the videos from the body-worn cameras released on Friday
showed Richardson running from officers as they shout for him to
stop and get on the ground.
One of the two officers involved in the chase, James Snapp,
eventually pinned him down on the ground.
"Stop, please. You got me," Richardson can be heard saying.
A second officer, Roch Gruszeczka, caught up to his partner
moments later.
"Gun, gun, let go of the f*****g gun," Gruszeczka said. "I'm
going to shoot your ass." Shortly after, a gunshot can be heard
and Richardson wailing in pain.
Officers called for medical assistance and began performing CPR
as Richardson appeared to lose consciousness.
"Hang with me bud," Gruszeczka says. Police said later on he
said: "God, please be with that kid."
Aurora Police Department Chief Art Acevedo told a press
conference on Friday that Richardson was carrying a firearm,
although it was later determined to be a pellet gun designed to
look like a 9mm handgun.
The body camera footage released by police does not show whether
Richardson ever pointed the weapon at the officers. Gruszeczka
has been placed on paid administrative leave.
Richardson's family reviewed the footage before its public
release, and Acevedo said he has been in contact with family
members.
"No matter where this investigation takes us, no matter where we
end, it is a tragedy because a young man has lost his life,"
Acevedo told reporters at the news conference.
(Reporting by Maria Caspani; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
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