ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — No charges will be filed against the officers involved in the altercation and shooting death of Deshawn Tatum, according to a review released by the Rock Island County State's Attorney.
Ultimately, in a 35-page review of the April 1st shooting, the Rock Island County State's Attorney determined the officers acted within their legal rights.
"Because the officers faced deadly force, it was lawful for them to respond with equal or greater force, in a quick response due to the rapid unfolding of events," read the legal analysis.
Tatum was shot and killed by police in the Kum & Shop parking lot, at 11th Street and 31st Avenue in Rock Island.
The video below includes all the body footage and surveillance video that was released in this case.
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Previous reports show that police approached Tatum near 12th and 30th Streets. Police said Tatum, who was a known wanted suspect, was considered armed and dangerous. A wanted poster that was included in the State's Attorney's review showed that Tatum was wanted on a federal warrant for felon in possession of a firearm; a county warrant for criminal damage to property, and for fleeing and eluding a peace officer.
As police approached, Tatum fled on foot "while being seen in possession of a handgun," said a statement from the Rock Island Police Department.
Page five of the state's attorney's review described the foot chase as beginning east of the gas station, between 12th Street and 11th Street.
Police said officers pursued Tatum to the gas station, where he "hijacked a car from a female bystander."
Exterior surveillance video from the Chicken Shack, which is connected to the Kum & Shop, shows a white car parked outside, when the suspect and police run into frame. The video shows the man running, and getting into the car. When officers tried pulling him out of the car, they say he put it in reverse, dragging multiple officers. As the car backs up and veers left, it hits the building. That's when police began firing.
Tatum was taken to a local hospital where he later died. His cause of death was found to be gunshot wounds to the head and chest.
Three officers who were injured at the scene were treated and released.
One week after the shooting, the investigation was handed off to the Rock Island County State's Attorney's Office and the Rock Island County Integrity Task Force (ITF). A statement from ITF explained that surveillance and body camera footage would not yet be released because the investigation was still active.
Nearly two weeks after the shooting, a family friend talked to News 8 outside of the Rock Island County Justice Center.
"We haven't gotten any answers as far as what's been going on," said family friend Ruby Jones.
"We basically came here for a peaceful protest," she explained. "All we want is justice for Deshawn, that's all we're down here for. We’re not down here to harm anyone, to do anymore damage than what’s already been done. Yeah we’re just here for the justice, that’s it."
The following statement was released by the Rock Island County State's Attorney:
"In this case, officers had a reasonable belief that Tatum presented a threat of death or great bodily harm or death. Video footage and witness statements support such conclusion.
"The force used by the officers was proportional to the threat Deshawn Tatum posed. Mr. Tatum was in a vehicle, a weapon capable of causing great bodily harm or death. The fact that he dragged several officers to the ground while grabbing the gun of another suggested that he intended to use it in a deadly manner and that he may have been planning to use it.
"Because the officers faced deadly force, it was lawful for them to respond with equal or greater force, in a quick response due to the rapid unfolding of events. Under these facts, the officers’ decision to shoot at Mr. Tatum was objectively reasonable and no criminal charges against Officers Scully, Costas, Lawler or Waddle are supported."