The officers told investigators that they feared for their lives during the December 2014 stop of 36-year-old Jerame Reid, according to a statement from the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office.
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Cumberland County First Assistant Prosecutor Harold Shapiro stated the grand jury was instructed on potential felony fees towards the officers and the state’s guidelines for justified pressure.
Days, however, had removed a handgun from the glove compartment and was holding it when he shot Reid with the service weapon he was holding in his other hand.
Suddenly, the officer steps back from the vehicle and pulls his weapon.
The assertion from prosecutors stated Days “perceived that he and his companion have been in imminent hazard” and that his companion, Officer Roger Worley, “likewise believed that his associate was in imminent hazard”. The capturing lasted roughly 2 seconds and Reid was hit within the chest and left arm, in line with prosecutors.
“What’s shocking about this case is the very fact it took this lengthy to reach at an already preconceived concept to not indict cops”, Hudson stated.
Reid and Days are both African American.
Police have released a video of the Bridgeton police shooting a person during a traffic stop. The officers said Reid was reaching for this gun when officers reached out and pulled it out.
The grand jury’s decision followed testimony from both officers and the driver of the Jaguar.
Reid’s widow has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.
Reid had been arrested six times by Bridgeton police since 2009 on allegations of making terroristic threats, harassment, burglary, obstruction, marijuana possession and stalking, according to police records.
The report states that Reid announced to the officers his intent to get out of the vehicle and place himself on the ground, while Days, with heavy expletives, advised against it.
He was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead.
The post, in part, read, “With the utmost respect for the family of the late Jerame Reid, the department as a whole has supported and will continue to support the actions of the officers since the night of the tragic incident”.
Bridgeton police Chief Michael Gaimari said the officers remain on paid administrative leave pending consultation with prosecutors and city officials.
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Conrad J. Benedetto, attorney for Reid’s wife, Lawanda, was in court Thursday morning and did not immediately return a call for comment.
