An NYPD officer has been charged in the shooting on an unarmed teenager in the Bronx, according to the Associated Press. The incident, which involved two officers chansing the suspect in his own home, took place in February. The officer, who has been identified as Richard Haste, surrendered himself on Wednesday. His attorney, Stuart London, declined to comment on the case, though he did mention that his client was aware of the seriousness of the situation. He is expected to be charged with manslaughter.
Ramarley Graham, the 18 year-old victim, was identified by an observation team as a suspect in street corner drug dealing. The team stated that Graham appeared to be armed, and relayed the information to other officers in the area. Before long, two plain clothes police officers wearing NYPD raid jackets arrived on the scene. Instead of complying with their demands, Graham responded by retreating into his apartment. After finding a back entrance to the building, officers proceeded to kick down the door and enter the teenager’s home.
Officer Haste allegedly shot Graham once in his bathroom after an officer claimed he saw the kid pull a gun. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at an area hospital. A search of the apartment following the incident revealed that Graham wasn’t in possession of any firearms.
According to News 12, Long Island, Haste has pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter.
