The editor-in-chief of the San Antonio Observer vowed over the weekend to publish the names and addresses of all of the city's officers following a police-involved shooting.
The fatal shooting of Antronie Scott by a San Antonio officer on Feb. 4 has stirred controversy after it was discovered the suspect was unarmed, according to KENS-TV
An undercover police officer who was following the 36-year-old -- who was wanted on warrants for being a felon in possession in a firearm -- shot him once in the chest after he saw something in his hands he believed to be a cell phone as he exited his vehicle. No gun was found at the scene and it was soon learned the object in Scott's hands was a cell phone.
The police department is currently investigating the shooting.
Observer Editor-in-Chief, Stephanie Zarriello stated during a press conference that shootings of citizens by officers go unpunished because officers remain anonymous.
"Like Ku Klux Klansman with hoods, (officers) do everything they can in order to protect their identities for fear of being brought to justice," she said. "Just as the names and addresses of sex offenders are publicized in order to protect the public from their wicked behavior, we feel that our community has the right to the exact same level of protection."
Police Chief William McManus said during a news conference Friday that the officer, identified as John Lee, said he feared for his life when he discharged the single round from his gun.
"As the uniformed officer approached the vehicle, (the suspect) got out of the car quickly and spun toward the officer," McManus told reporters. "The officer shouted to 'show me your hands,' and as soon as that statement was made, you heard a gunshot and it hit the individual in the upper torso."
Video from the officer's onboard camera did not record the shooting because of the way the cruiser car was parked. McManus said that body cameras have not yet been distributed to Lee's precinct.
Lee has been placed on administrative duty, as per department procedures.
