Man Shot and Killed Trying to Evade Police, Who Stand on and Kick Victim’s Dying Body
On June 12, 2020, Rayshard Brooks was shot and killed by Atlanta police. Brooks was a 27-year-old man who had been asleep in his car at a Wendy’s restaurant when a complaint was made. Brooks’ car had been obstructing other vehicles at the drive-through lane. Two Atlanta police officers, Devin Brosnan and Garrett Rolfe, responded to the scene.
Brosnan was first to arrive at the scene, waking up Brooks and directing him to a nearby parking space. According to footage acquired from body cams, surveillance, dashcam, and bystanders, Brosnan appeared to be unsure whether he should allow sleep to continue sleeping in the car. He is later seen requesting another police officer. Brooks is friendly and compliant with the officers, admitting that while he has been drinking, he is not unable to drive.
Brooks asks Rolfe if he can lock up his car and walk to his sister’s house which is located nearby. Rolfe attempts to get Brooks to admit he is too drunk to drive by asking him why he wants to go home. Brooks responds with: “I don’t want to be in violation of anybody.”
The officers performed a sobriety test on Brooks, which he reportedly failed. Rolfe goes to handcuff Brooks, who appears compliant at first. He then attempts to break free, and the officers try to tackle him to the ground.
A scuffle ensues, and Rolfe warns Brooks that he is going to get Tased. Brosnan unholsters his Taster and Brooks was able to grab the Taster before attempting to flee the scene. Brooks punches Rolfe and does not try to use the Taser. Rolfe deploys his Taster, attempting to stun Brooks. The officers pursue Brooks on foot.
The Wendy’s surveillance camera captures Brooks running across the parking lot. During the chase, Brooks turns around and points the Taser at the officer. Rolfe unholsters his handgun and fires three times at Brooks as he runs away.
Brooks was then taken to the hospital, where he died following surgery.
Rolfe has since been fired and will face 11 criminal charges, including felony murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Brosnan has been placed on administrative leave and is facing three charges, including aggravated assault and violation of oath.
A picture has also been circulating during this time, showing Brosnan standing on Brooks’ shoulders after he had been shot. Rolfe reportedly kicked Brooks’ body as Brosnan stood on it.
Following the announcement of the murder charge, Atlanta police officers reportedly protested by walking off and calling out sick. The Atlanta Police Foundation, a non-profit organization, responded by providing a $500 bonus for every APD officer who would continue working through the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent George Floyd protests.
Brooks leaves behind a wife, three daughters, and a stepson. Brooks worked at a Mexican restaurant. Brooks’ wife, Tomika Miller said that she had cried over what George Floyd’s family had been going through and could not believe that she was now going through the same thing herself.
Related Links:
Everything We Know About the Killing of Rayshard Brooks by Atlanta Police
Video: The Killing of Rayshard Brooks: How a 41-Minute Police Encounter Suddenly Turned Fatal
