17-year-old Abdi Mohamed being loaded into an ambulance after being shot by Salt Lake City police officers Saturday Feb. 27, 2016. Mohamed was hospitalized in a medically induced coma, and he survived.
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“First, this was a thorough investigation which included speaking with countless witnesses – we invited the FBI to review the body camera footage to see if a federal criminal investigation, or civil rights investigations, were warranted”, Gill said during his announcement on Monday, according to FOX 13. He faces counts of aggravated robbery and possessing drugs with an intent to distribute. An independent investigator found the shooting justified, Gill said.
Police have said that two Salt Lake City officers intervened as Mohamed and a second person beat a man with metal sticks.
The shooting occurred on a winter night while the NBA’s Utah Jazz played at a nearby arena.
Local activists, national organizations and reportedly Mohamed’s parents have sought to have bodycam footage of the incident released. “It’s about committing yourself to a process that is objective, that is fair, that is accountable. It’s not about choosing sides”. Police said they found methamphetamine in his pocket.
Gill revealed the most complete account yet of what led to the fight.
He approached Mohamed and asked if he could purchase marijuana.
Gill also said his office is seeking to have Mohamed tried as an adult.
According to police reports, officers were called to the scene at a local homeless shelter on February 27, where they intervened to break up a fight allegedly involving Mohamed, who was, according to law enforcement, reportedly seen attacking someone with metal objects. The officers fired when Mohamed menacingly moved toward the victim instead of obeying orders to drop the object.
Gill did not name Mohamed, who has been identified by multiple other sources.
The beating victim didn’t need medical attention.
Mohamed came to the USA with his family in 2004 from a refugee camp in Kenya, Weledi said.
Court records show Mohamed started getting in trouble with police at age 12 and spent time in juvenile detention centers for theft, trespassing and assault.
Mohamed is set to appear in court Wednesday on the new charges.
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Mohamed’s attorney, Alicia Memmott, didn’t immediately comment.
