Maryland police present bodycam video of lethal officer-involved taking pictures of Black man at McDonald’s drive-thru

Talking whereas the video performed on a projector display, Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones narrated a 28-minute-long compilation of physique digicam footage excerpts and a recorded telephone name between police and the motive force, 21-year-old Ryan LeRoux, earlier than the July 16 taking pictures in Gaithersburg. Police responded to a name a few McDonald’s buyer who refused to pay or take away his automobile from the drive-thru. 

Jones stated officers who initially arrived on the scene noticed a handgun within the entrance passenger seat and referred to as for backup when LeRoux refused their instructions to step out of the automobile. A half-hour standoff ensued. 

Officers taking cowl behind a defend approached LeRoux’s SUV and positioned “cease sticks” in entrance of the automobile. Police additionally positioned a physique digicam within the drive-thru window to get a greater vantage level of the gun in his automobile, Jones stated.

AFTER MARYLAND FATAL SHOOTING AT MCDONALD’S, 4 OFFICERS ON LEAVE

Video performed Tuesday appeared to indicate LeRoux shifting inside a parked automobile, apparently sitting up from a reclining place, moments earlier than 4 officers opened hearth on him. Jones stated police recovered a loaded Glock 47 from LeRoux’s lap – although he didn’t disclose whether or not investigators consider LeRoux raised a weapon or posed a risk to police at any level main as much as the taking pictures.

Jones stated there was no proof that LeRoux fired at officers. A lady from the police division’s emergency command heart had spoken to LeRoux by way of his cellphone. LeRoux stated he noticed the officers and complied with their instructions to boost his palms.

Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones opinions an officer’s physique digicam footage from a deadly police taking pictures on July 16 at a McDonald’s in Gaithersburg, Md., throughout a information convention in Gaithersburg, Tuesday, July 27, 2021.
(AP Picture/Michael Kunzelman)

“I can hear them simply effective,” he stated.

“We’re simply attempting that can assist you right here,” she advised LeRoux, asking him to increase his palms out a window.

Jones stated the officers didn’t see LeRoux’s palms up or out the window.

A police sergeant later referred to as LeRoux.

“What’s happening, man?” the sergeant requested. “Hi there? He simply hung up on me.”

A disaster negotiator was en path to the scene however didn’t arrive earlier than the taking pictures, Jones stated. 

Activists collect for a vigil on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 close to the McDonald’s restaurant in Gaithersburg, Md., the place Ryan LeRoux, a 21-year-old Black man, was shot and killed by police on July 16.
(AP Picture/Michael Kunzelman)

Montgomery County Metropolis Council used LeRoux’s dying to emphasise the necessity “for applicable different responses to psychological well being crises,” arguing “insurance policies and procedures are reviewed to supply our cops with the instruments they should efficiently deescalate most of these conditions.” 

LeRoux died at a hospital. Talking to reporters later Tuesday, his mom, Rhonda LeRoux, stated he was depressed, had misplaced his job and girlfriend, and was grieving the current dying of his grandmother. She stated her son was residing out of his automobile and had legally bought a gun to guard himself.

The 4 officers concerned had been positioned on administrative go away, a typical process after a taking pictures. 

All 4 officers are White, and LeRoux was Black, police division spokeswoman Shiera Goff stated. The Howard County State’s Lawyer’s Workplace will overview LeRoux’s taking pictures beneath an settlement with its counterpart in neighboring Montgomery County.

The Related Press contributed to this report.