Ryan Remington: Video shows Arizona cop shooting man in wheelchair, 61, NINE times
TUCSON, ARIZONA: A Tucson police officer was fired on Tuesday, November 30, after a video surfaced showing him fatally shooting a man in a wheelchair nine times in the back and side on Monday night. The man, who was accused of shoplifting, was seen fleeing authorities in his wheelchair when they told him to stop, according to body camera footage provided by police.
One of the cops opened fire on the man in wheelchair after he refused to stop and continued to enter a Lowe's shop, causing him to hunch over and fall face-first out of his wheelchair. Ryan Remington, a four-year member of the force, was named as the fired officer by Channel 12.
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Remington had been working off-duty security at a Walmart, according to the Arizona Republic. Richard Lee Richards, 61, has been confirmed as the victim. An employee at Walmart allegedly alerted Remington that Richards had stolen a toolbox, which allegedly began the incident. Tucson police chief Chris Magnus stated at a press conference, "His use of deadly force in this incident is a clear violation of department policy and directly contradicts multiple aspects of our use of force and training. To be very clear, I am deeply disturbed and troubled by Officer Remington's actions."
Remington attempted to stop Richards by requesting a receipt. According to investigators, Richards then allegedly pulled out a knife and stated, "Here's your receipt." The knife is not apparent in the video taken from a Walmart parking lot camera, which shows Remington trailing Richards to Lowe's.
After Remington shoots Richards, the video shows the cop handcuffing the victim on the ground after he falls out of his wheelchair. Sometime later, Richards was pronounced dead. The event is being investigated by the Pima County Attorney's Office. Remington's actions, according to Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, were "unconscionable and unjustified."
"The County Attorney’s Office has my full support as they proceed with their investigation," Romero spoke. "It is moments like this that test our resolve to ensure justice and accountability. We owe this to all Tucsonans. I ask our community to remain calm and be patient as investigations ensue.”