Chicago Police Officer Who Shot Kajuan Raye Stripped Of Powers
Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson has decided to relieve an officer of their police powers after the shooting of Kajuan Raye, 19.
The sergeant received a call of a suspected battery near Ogden Park on the city’s Southside late this past Wednesday where they saw Raye, who reportedly fit the description of a suspect, according to CNN.
“The sergeant then told investigators that the offender turned and pointed a weapon in the direction of the sergeant on two separate occasions during the pursuit,” Johnson said.
Investigators searched the scene and no such weapon was ever found. Raye was still shot in the back while fleeing and pronounced dead at a local hospital later that night.
All of this information factored into Johnson’s decision to strip the still-unidentified sergeant of their gun and badge.
The Independent Police Review Authority is investigating the incident.
“Having been a police officer for 28 years, I know that this job is not easy and the decision to use force is extremely complex and must be made in seconds without the benefits of formal reviews and deliberations,” Johnson said, according to the Chicago Tribune. “However, based on the little information we know at this point, I have concerns about this incident and feel this decision is in the best interest of the department and the people of Chicago as we await a methodical and impartial investigation into exactly what transpired.”
Raye’s family plans to request that the Cook County State’s Attorney investigate the incident and prosecute the officer involved.