Texas white officer Shaun Lucas has found himself in handcuffs following the fatal shooting of unarmed Black man Jonathan Price at a convenience store in the Lone Star State. Less than 48 hours after the slaying, Lucas was charged with murder and had a bail set for $1 million.
White Officer Charged W/ Murder
Despite getting charged with murder and contributing to the trend of police brutality, Lucas posted his $1 million bond within hours of his Monday arrest.
The family of the man who was shot, Jonathan Price, 31, is demanding to know why it happened. The Texas Rangers said in a statement Monday that Lucas, a Wolfe City police officer, responded to a disturbance call and encountered Price. “Officer Lucas attempted to detain Price, who resisted in a non-threatening posture and began walking away,” the statement said. Lucas then TASERed and shot Price, the statement said, adding, “The preliminary investigation indicates that the actions of Officer Lucas were not objectionably reasonable. The Texas Rangers have charged Officer Lucas with the offense of murder.” (CBS News)
Police Brutality Keeps Happening
A civil rights attorney has since weighed-in on the latest instance of police brutality, notably the fact it took nearly two entire days before Officer Lucas found himself behind bars.
“When police arrived, I’m told, he raised his hands and attempted to explain what was going on,” said civil rights attorney Lee Merritt in a Facebook posting. “Police fired Tasers at him and when his body convulsed from the electrical current, they ‘perceived a threat’ and shot him to death.” After Lucas’s arrest was announced, Merritt posted: “This didn’t happen quickly. It should [have] happened the day he murdered JP. John should still be here.” (The Guardian)
What Really Happened
According to reports, Jonathan Price simply did his part to try and break up a dispute. However, police treated him as a threat and ultimately ended his life.
Price was intervening in a domestic dispute before he was shot, Merritt said. “Mr. Price did not become violent, but there was a male who was aggressive towards a woman,” he said.”He intervened, and the situation was resolved before law enforcement arrived, according to witnesses,” the attorney said. “Why this officer still felt the need to Tase and shoot Jonathan is beyond comprehension.” (CNN)
Locals Loved Jonathan Price
According to locals, Jonathan Price was admired in the community and people have no understanding why police would have used lethal force on him.
Relatives and friends said Price, a Wolfe City employee, was well-known in the close-knit community, describing him as a “hometown hero,” “standup guy” and “mentor who worked with children.” Most said they couldn’t see any reason a police officer would shoot and kill him, CBS Dallas reports. (CBS News)
