Images of men spreading across social media and memes are not the officers involved in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling, according to reports. Here is who the two officers are, based on what has been reported so far.
The officers are Howie Lake and Blane Salamoni. Lake, 29, is a three year veteran of the force. Local reports say he was suspended in 2014 after a shooting involving a man named Kevin Knight, who was shot several times by a group of officers while on the run, and that those reports suggested Knight and police exchanged gunfire. Salamoni, 28, is a four year veteran who has received a life saving award from the police department. He followed his parents into law enforcement, and his father was reportedly considered a possible future police chief. Both officers are on administrative leave while the shooting is investigated.
The New York Daily News also spoke with James, Salamoni’s father in law. He told the paper he blamed people protesting for making an agenda out of the shooting, and said Sterling drew a gun on the officers. The Daily News noted that this claim is not backed up by video of the incident. James also said he would like to see protesters live without police for a while, adding that most officers would never be abusive.
The investigation is ongoing, and we will share what is confirmed as it comes out.
