Fatal police shooting of Michigan man after a struggle during a traffic stop

Police in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Wednesday released several videos of an officer’s encounter with Patrick Lyoya earlier this month, including two that show the fatal shot during a struggle after a traffic stop.

The department released video from a police body camera, a police unit’s dashcam, cell phone and a home surveillance system as officials answered reporters’ questions at a news conference about the deadly April 4 incident.

Police said before the news conference that neither the videos nor audio were edited. Some video images were redacted or blurred to ensure privacy. Police Chief Eric Winstrom said the officer will not be identified publicly unless there are criminal charges.

The officer is on paid leave and his police powers were suspended, the chief said. Michigan State Police are conducting a criminal investigation. Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, who has represented high-profile victims of police violence, has been retained by the Lyoya family and pushed for the officer to be fired and charged. “The video clearly shows that this was an unnecessary, excessive, and fatal use of force against an unarmed Black man who was confused by the encounter and terrified for his life,” Crump said.

There have been multiple protests and rallies on behalf of Lyoya.On Tuesday evening, dozens of people called for justice as they rallied outside a City Commission meeting.City officials said Wednesday they had taken “precautionary measures” around police headquarters in advance of expected demonstrations. Several hundred people protested outside the building after the video release with many chanting, “Justice for Patrick.