A San Bernardino police officer is no longer with the department more than a year after he fatally shot a man who had his hands raised, and the district attorney is now looking into whether the shooting was lawful.
According to NBC News, the shooting happened on Sept. 28, 2018, in the Highlands neighborhood of San Bernardino. Officer Brandon Gaddie and another officer were sent to a home after a woman called 911 to report that Richard, who she said was armed, was threatening family members. Acting Police Chief Eric McBride said family members and witnesses described Richard as intoxicated and making irrational statements. Dispatchers also learned he had an outstanding arrest warrant, and police said he had earlier made terrorist threats during a domestic dispute.
Body camera video released by the department on Friday shows Richard walking toward the officers with his hands raised as they order him to put his hands up. NBC News reported that he had set his handgun down on a couch before walking out. Gaddie fired five times. Richard fell on the front lawn, and medics were called, but he died. Police said a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun was recovered at the scene.
McBride said an internal review found that Gaddie’s decision making did not meet the standards held by the department or the community it serves, and that disciplinary action had been started. He did not say whether Gaddie was fired or resigned. He also said officers have to make split second decisions, but that the department would not compromise its standards. The other officer at the scene is still on the job, according to NBC News.
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office is investigating whether Gaddie’s actions were lawful. The office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Gaddie has not been charged with a crime.
