Seattle police have released a chilling dashcam video showing a man reaching for a handgun after officers began closing in on him.
Officers were responding to calls about a suspicious car on Sunday Feb. 21st when 46-year-old Che Taylor was approached by officers. Taylor was ordered to show his hands and get on the ground, but instead reached into the vehicle for a handgun, prompting at least one officer to fire his weapon at him.
Taylor was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Police said he was carrying cocaine and black tar heroin. Taylor was a convicted felon, previously charged with assault, robbery and rape, and was legally prohibited from possessing a handgun.
Another person in the vehicle with Taylor was arrested on charges of possessing heroin. One other person was detained but not charged with anything. The Seattle NAACP has joined forces with Taylor’s family in demanding justice for his death. The two officers involved in the shooting are on paid administrative leave, pending an investigation.