Calif. Bodycam Shows Chaotic Struggle as Suspect Grabs for Rifle Before Deadly DUI Stop Shooting
What to know
- Brentwood police released body camera footage of a Christmas Eve incident in which officers fatally shot a 43‑year‑old motorist during a DUI stop after a struggle and the discovery of a concealed, loaded rifle.
- The suspect ran, fought with police and eventually grabbed the rifle from his car before an officer fatally shot him.
- Brentwood police and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office are conducting parallel investigations and are asking anyone with information to contact detectives.
Source Bay Area News Group
BRENTWOOD, CA—The Brentwood Police Department on Friday (Feb. 6) released footage of a recent fatal police shooting that appears to show the man who was killed scuffling with officers and holding a rifle just moments before one of them opened fire.
The body-worn and in-car camera recordings capture officers stopping 43-year-old Stockton resident Romaine Morgan at 10:55 p.m. on Christmas Eve at Balfour Road and Foothill Drive. Police said Morgan was suspected of driving under the influence.
The initial interaction between Morgan and the officers appears cordial, with Morgan telling officers he was driving back home after dropping off family members at an area hospital.
“I didn’t know who was behind me — it was just blacked out,” Morgan says after being told he was pulled over for swerving. “I’m like, who is following me like that? I’m very paranoid like that.”
While one officer checked Morgan’s vehicle registration, another officer spotted marijuana inside his car, according to authorities. That discovery, police said, gave officers probable cause to search the car.
In the footage, Morgan tells officers he is not under the influence and does not consent to a search. But he ultimately agrees to step out of the car and stand in front of a patrol vehicle.
Footage of the search appears to show officers pulling a blue rifle from the front passenger floorboard. The gun was concealed and loaded, according to authorities.
As officers move to arrest Morgan, he briefly runs away but then stops and scuffles with them as they yell at him to get on the ground. Morgan shouts, “I’m leaving,” before sprinting back to his car.
In the footage, Morgan appears to grab and hold the rifle in his right hand, muzzle pointed at the ground, as one officer then fires his service weapon a total of 11 times, striking Morgan.
Officers provided medical aid until paramedics arrived, police said, but Morgan died from his injuries at the scene.
The police department is continuing to investigate the shooting, according to authorities. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is also conducting a parallel probe.
Anyone with information related to the case can contact the police department at 925-809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.
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