OPD Chief Apologizes To Family Of Teen Shot And Killed By Police
OAKLAND (KCBS) — The family of a 18-year-old shot and killed by Oakland police this month after allegedly pointing a handgun at officers has not only sat down in a face-to-face meeting with Police Chief Howard Jordan, but has also received an apology.
Alan Blueford died after a confrontation with police on May 6th. Police said he pointed a gun at them, but did not fire it before he was killed by three gunshots.
Original reports said the suspect had fired at and wounded an officer. A subsequent police statement indicated the gun found at the scene had not been fired and the officer who fired the fatal shots also shot himself in the foot.
Police also said witnesses told investigators they saw the man point gun at the officer prior to shots being fired.
KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:
Members of Blueford's family told police they were upset over being made to wait hours in the police station lobby for information on him.
"They certainly were upset about how they were treated in the very early stages of trying to identify their son," said Oakland attorney John Burris, who represents the Blueford family from Tracy.
Jordan's chief of staff confirmed an apology was made to the Blueford family for that early treatment by Oakland Police.
Burris said that gesture was important to the family. "It was important for them not to have their son cast as this gunfighter that was out to shoot police," said Burris. "Their view is that if their son had a gun, he was running from the police. He was not a person that would fight the police."
A final report on what happened May 6th was expected in late July.
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