In Austin TX over the summer, two officers get a complaint that a specific suspect in a club parking lot was UCW (unlawfully carry a weapon). The two officers make the approach and the suspect swings on them and flees. During the resulting foot pursuit the two officers get seperated and the SGT (a 12 year veteran) remains in pursuit when he sees the suspect drawing something from his waistline. The officer states he is "100% certain" that the suspect was drawing a firearm. The SGT fires, believing his life is in danger and drops the suspect.
The suspect falls on his belly, hands underneath him and would not show his hands. Believing the threat to still exist the SGt fires again, ending the threat (and the suspect).
Autopsy shows the suspect was struck twice in the back and a .25 caliber auto was recovered about 25 feet from the body. The suspect had previously been convicted of Aggrevated Robbery. On the minus side he is a minority and the SGT is caucasion. As per SOP, the NAACP goes crazy...
While the DA declines to pursue the matter, the new police Chief fires the SGT, saying that he should have waited for additional backup.
I think the SGT has valid appeal in this firing. Opinions?