Videos of deadly cop shooting in Chicago show procedural errors, confusion
CHICAGO _ Videos from the fatal shooting of Paul O'Neal by Chicago police show a succession of apparent procedural errors, including police firing at a fleeing vehicle with other officers in harm's way and an admission by the officer who believed he fired the fatal shot that he had no idea whether the 18-year-old was armed.
Comments from that officer caught on video indicate he may have erroneously thought O'Neal had fired from a stolen car barreling in his direction. In fact, those shots were fired in the officer's direction by other police shooting at the stolen car in apparent violation of departmental policy.
Acting with uncharacteristic swiftness, Chicago officials on Friday made public nine videos in all. Shortly before the 11 a.m. release, the head of the Chicago police oversight agency called the video footage "shocking and disturbing" and said her heart went out to the O'Neal's family.
At a news conference Friday afternoon, O'Neal's sister, Briana Adams, 22, grew emotional as she told reporters that the family was devastated by what they saw on the videos.
"I want everyone to know that Paul had goals," she said, then lowered her head and began to cry.
_Chicago Tribune
