Shore grand jury clears detectives in 2014 shooting
A grand jury on Tuesday did not indict three Atlantic City detectives involved in the fatal shooting of an armed 20-year-old man last year.
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A grand jury on Tuesday did not indict three Atlantic City detectives involved in the fatal shooting of an armed 20-year-old man last year.
Atlantic County Prosecutor James P. McClain released still images from surveillance video showing Shawn Brown holding a handgun and then running from police with it moments before he was shot three times by two of the detectives on Sept. 9, 2014, in the 1100 block of Drexel Avenue.
Brown, who lived in the city, died that day at Atlantic City Medical Center, City Division.
The gun recovered from Brown was linked to three prior shootings, McClain said.
Police also found 40 bags of heroin in Brown's pockets, McClain said. Brown had been facing a prior indictment in Atlantic County charging unlawful possession and distribution of heroin.
The case was presented to the Atlantic County grand jury by First Assistant Prosecutor Diane M. Ruberton.
The detectives, who were not named, were working in plain clothes in the area of Caspian and Haddon Avenues at 12:55 p.m. when they heard multiple gunshots.
A gunfire audio-detection system recorded 11 shots in a four-second span.
The detectives proceeded in an unmarked police vehicle to the location of the gunfire. They saw Brown acting suspiciously near North Carolina and Mediterranean Avenues, McClain said.
As the detectives approached Brown, he ran and drew the handgun from his waistband, McClain said. The detectives identified themselves and ordered Brown to stop and drop the gun, he said.
On Drexel, one of the detectives said, Brown turned toward them and pointed his gun, and the detective fired several shots, McClain said.
Brown ran a short distance and collapsed, dropping his gun. Two of the detectives said Brown attempted to rise and they believed he was trying to get his gun, so they fired additional shots, McClain said.
One detective said Brown then stated, "I'm done. I'm done," and pushed himself away from the gun, McClain said.
An ambulance was called, and Brown was handcuffed and searched, leading to the discovery of the heroin, McClain said.
Brown was armed with a 9mm Smith & Wesson semiautomatic with a live round in the chamber and three unfired bullets, McClain said.
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