Community Leaders Speak Out About Fatal Police-Involved Shooting In Bridgeton
By Cleve Bryan
BRIDGETON, N.J., (CBS) -- As the investigation continues in the police involved shooting that killed Jerame Reid, Bridgeton's civic and religious leaders met to call for peace in the community.
"We all wish the events of that night had never happened, but it has happened, we must heal and go forward as a community," said Mayor Albert Kelly to a crowd of several dozen people at the Municipal Court Complex.
On December 30 Bridgeton Officers Roger Worley and Braheme Days opened fire on Reid during a traffic stop after a gun was uncovered in the car.
Mayor Kelly says he's seen but refuses to comment on dash cam video of the incident which has sparked outrage among some who believe the officers should not have used lethal force.
Reid was told not to move and was shot exiting the passenger side of the vehicle despite the appearance of having his hands up at shoulder height.
The Cumberland County Prosecutor has removed herself from the case because she knows Officer Days.
Critics say the state attorney general's office should take over the case.
With pastors, council members and representatives of the NAACP at his side Mayor Kelly called for confidence in the Prosecutor's Office.
"We're going to seek the answers and if the answers aren't what they thought they should be, we're going to ask for an inquiry but I truly believe in the Prosecutor's Office," said Kelly.
The Attorney General's Office can review the shooting investigation.