Nov. 13--Some friends and family of Christopher Anderson, the 27-year-old Waukegan man shot and killed by police last week at NorthShore Highland Park Hospital, are seeking to view hospital video footage of the incident.
Anderson was shot Nov. 3 after he drew a handgun at the hospital and would not drop the weapon, officials have said. On Tuesday, Highland Park police officials and the Lake County State's Attorney's Office said the shooting was justified and that officers followed protocol. A statement released Tuesday from the Highland Park Police Department referenced footage taken in the hospital.
Following Anderson's funeral Wednesday, some of his family members held a news conference in front of the Jesus Name Apostolic Church in Waukegan to ask to see that video.
Ralph Peterson Jr., a friend of the family, stood next to Anderson's 9-year-old daughter and the girl's mother. Peterson said he spoke on behalf of some of Anderson's family members.
"We're not convicting any agencies. We're not saying there was any wrongdoing. But there's a chance to put all this to rest by simply letting the family view the tapes," Peterson said.
"We do know there's a long history of injustice and killings of young black men," he said. "And sometimes it's not the young black men who are the aggressors."
On the night of Nov. 2, Anderson and his daughter had been passengers in a car involved in an accident and were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, officials have said.
Shantae Davis, mother of Anderson's daughter, said Anderson had been angry because he was separated from their young daughter at the hospital.
Davis said it took nearly four hours for her to be reconnected with her child after she arrived at the hospital on the morning of Nov. 3, shortly after Anderson was killed.
"I just want justice for my baby and my child's father so we can move on with our lives," Davis said.
Highland Park Police Chief Paul Shafer said Wednesday that the family could see the video but would need to first file a Freedom of Information Act request with the police department.
Before the news conference, more than 200 friends and family mourned Anderson's death inside the church. Remembrances of those who spoke during the service painted a picture of a young man who had a good sense of humor and a quick temper to match.
Sharenee Anderson, Christopher Anderson's sister, remembered her brother as her protector growing up. She read a poem that she had written.
"How do I heal from the pain I feel inside?" she said. "When is it OK to cry?"
gtrotter@tribpub.com
Twitter: @NorthShoreTrib
