Cops have released video showing a deadly police-involved shooting in Chicago that sparked protests on Saturday — and it appears to show the victim reaching for a holstered gun just moments before he’s killed.
Harith Augustus, 37, can be seen running away from CPD officers and out into the street following a brief confrontation with them on the sidewalk.
Bodycam footage shows him carrying a handgun in his waistband and some extra ammunition.
“It was some semiautomatic weapon,” explained Chicago Police Chief of Patrol Fred Waller at a press conference. “He also had magazines on him.”
Augustus had been walking in the Windy City’s South Shore neighborhood when cops patrolling on foot noticed a “bulge” around his waist and stopped him for questioning, according to Waller.
As the officers began speaking to him, Augustus became combative and attempted to flee. This is when he appears to go for his weapon.
“The police department gets no joy in these type of incidents,” Waller said. “It’s not something that they plan to do. It’s just a tragic incident all the way around.”
The shooting sparked violent and peaceful protests across Chicago on Saturday — with many comparing it to the controversial police-involved shooting death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald in 2015.
“It got a little bit out of hand,” Waller said. “Several arrests were made.”
While the bodycam footage appears to show Waller reaching for his holstered weapon, neighbors told local media that he was a responsible gun owner who had a concealed carry license.
“Another black man killed by the police,” said witness Allen Davis, who noted how Augustus was shot several times.
“Something’s got to change,” he said. “I’m sick of this.”
The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative duties for 30 days, according to CPD officials.
The city’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability has launched an investigation.
With Post wires