A white Michigan cop pleaded not guilty Friday to murder for shooting a black driver in the back of the head during a traffic stop that turned violent.
Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schur was “acquitted of using force” when he fatally shot 26-year-old Patrick Lioya during a roadside brawl on April 4, his lawyer said during the cop’s indictment.
Shur appeared virtually, disguised and dressed in his orange prison attire, while supporters of the two sides clashed in the Grand Rapids courthouse, reports said.
“The defense claims that on this charge, Officer Shur was acquitted of using force in this episode and is not guilty of this crime,” said Mark Dodge, the cop’s lawyer, showing the video of his appearance in court.
Shur reportedly stopped Lioja and suspected him of driving the stolen car because its registration number did not match the car. The video of the confrontation shows Lioja getting out of the car before Shur tells him to go back.
Lioya tries to leave before Shur catches up with him and a fight ensues. The cop reportedly tried to pull an electric shocker and shot him twice, but did not contact the driver. While on top of Shur, he pulled out his pistol and fatally shot Lioya with one shot, a video shows.
Lawyer Mark Dodge claims that police officer Christopher Schur was “acquitted” of shooting Patrick Lioya during a sweater. Corey Morse / Grand Rapids Press via AP Police officers arrest a protester in the lobby of the Grand Rapids Police Department on June 10, 2022. Daniel Schular / The Grand Rapids Press via AP Supporters of Officer Schur and protesters face each other in the district court Kent County in Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 10, 2022 Joel Bissel / The Grand Rapids Press via AP Supporters kneel for Patrick Lioya during Shur’s arraignment.AP Photo / John Flesher Schurr talks to a resident on August 12, 2015Emily Rose Bennett / The Grand Rapids Press via AP, File
The death was the latest case of a black shooting involving police that drew national attention and the volatile problem caused by heated conversations during Shur’s indictment.
The courtroom crowd included about 60 people inside and others gathered in the halls, with supporters of the cop wearing #standwithschurr T-shirts, according to CNN. Others wore “Back the Blue” shirts, including Shur’s father, who was sitting in the front row of the courtroom, WOOD-TV reported.
In the halls, Leia’s activists and supporters chanted “Justice for Patrick” and exchanged words with the supporters of the cops.
Schur suspected that Patrick Lioya was driving a stolen vehicle. Through REUTERS, footage from Bodycam shows that Lioja is blocking Shur’s taser. Grand Rapids Police / Distribution via REUTERS The footage shows Lioja running away from Shur. The Grand Rapids Police Department Schur apparently pulled out his gun after catching Patrick Lioya. Police in Grand Rapids show that Shur collided with Patrick Lioya after he tried to kill RapidsG.
“You may be next. “Quit your job, maybe you’re next,” said an activist of Shur’s supporters, according to WOOD-TV. “If you love him, tell him to quit his job. He may be next. If you care about these cops, tell them all to quit their jobs – they may be next. “
Shur, who faces life behind bars, was released on $ 100,000 bail Friday and ordered not to carry a gun or drink alcohol as part of his release, the station said. He is due to return to court for a probable hearing on June 21.
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