After leading police on a high-speed chase, the fleeing suspect allegedly fired a gun at police officers, who then fatally shot him. However, a Facebook Live video captured one officer’s comments, prompting calls for an investigation and leading to the officer’s suspension.
Dreasjon Reed, 21, was streaming on Facebook Live with a video titled “High speed chase lol” as he sped away from Indianapolis Police, reaching 90 mph on Interstate 65. After stopping his car and fleeing on foot, he told viewers to “come get my stuff” from his abandoned vehicle.
At this point, an officer tried to use a Taser but couldn’t stop Reed. Police yelled for Reed to stop, to which he responded, “f— you!” According to the police, Reed then pointed a gun and fired at the officers, prompting an officer to shoot back, resulting in Reed’s death.
A specific detail from the incident has caused widespread calls for an investigation and a murder charge against the officer. The viral video showed an officer allegedly saying off-camera, “I think it’s going to be a closed casket, homie,” according to the Indianapolis Star.
Chris Bailey, Assistant Chief of the Indianapolis Metro Police Department (IMPD), confirmed that they are aware of the video and have launched an investigation. The officer who shot Reed was placed on administrative leave, as is standard practice. Yet, public outrage grew with up to 150 protesters at the scene.
“Murder! Murder! No justice, no peace!” chanted the protesters.
The IMPD confirmed that the officer alleged to have made the comment has been suspended and reassigned. Still, Reed’s family and supporters demand more severe punishment for the involved officers.
“They could’ve tased my brother, beat him up,” said Jazmine Reed, the suspect’s sister. “I could’ve talked to him on the phone. We could’ve video chatted. He could’ve been behind bars. Now I gotta look at him in a casket the next time I see him.”
Investigative journalist Andy Ngo delved into the case, uncovering photos and videos of Reed and his friend McHale Rose, who was also fatally shot by police during a confrontation. Rose allegedly lured police into an ambush and fired a rifle at them. Ngo also posted texts where Reed admitted to being a felon, making it illegal for him to own a firearm.
Dreasjon Reed also recently posted a first-person video on his Facebook of what looks like him committing a drive-by shooting. The gun in this video appears to match the gun seen in his live stream during the fatal police chase yesterday. https://t.co/9YgUcEaYWD pic.twitter.com/DaCbjayCjl
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) May 8, 2020
“Sean” Reed just a week ago said he was a felon and could not legally purchase a gun. pic.twitter.com/6zGrb85XyP
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) May 9, 2020
Despite the allegations of firing upon officers, the deaths of Dreasjon Reed and McHale Rose have led to protests and demands for murder charges. Supporters are using civil unrest to voice their anger toward law enforcement.
Although the officer has faced consequences for his insensitive comment, many are still calling for serious legal actions and jail time. Sadly, the ongoing evidence may not be enough to satisfy those who believe the shootings were racially motivated murders.
