A white South Carolina police officer, Michael Slager, has been charged with murder after video emerged of him shooting a black man running away from him, according to a BBC report.

If found guilty, the police officer faces the death penalty.

State investigators arrested the officer on Tuesday after viewing the mobile phone video of the shooting.

Authorities say victim Walter Lamer Scott was shot after the officer had already targeted him with a stun gun.

The US Department of Justice is set to launch an investigation.

“When you’re wrong, you’re wrong,” North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said, announcing the arrest. “When you make a bad decision, I don’t care if you’re behind the shield or a citizen on the street, you have to live with that decision.”

The incident on Saturday began after Scott’s car was stopped for having a broken rear light, local media reported.

A video of the incident published by the New York Times shows a brief scuffle before Scott begins running away. The video then shows the officer firing several shots at Scott, who falls to the ground.

Mr Scott’s brother, Anthony, told the Post and Courier that he believed his brother fled from Mr Slager because he owed child support.

Anthony Scott said that because of the video, “we have received the truth” and “through the process, justice has been served”.
Chris Stewart, a lawyer for Scott’s family, called the passer-by who recorded the video a “hero”.

The shooting occurred as heightened scrutiny is being placed on police officer shootings, particularly those that involve white officers and unarmed black suspects.

Warning: The video footage below contains a graphic fatal shooting incident.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21T2F5WFPAw

I just wonder if he was white..................RIP