Ypsilanti residents want probe in death of unarmed suspect

[meganmonkey]

Ypsilanti residents want probe in death of unarmed suspect
Thursday, February 08, 2007
BY TOM GANTERT
News Staff Reporter

Several angry Ypsilanti residents on Wednesday night accused police of racism and asked for an independent investigation into a fatal shooting of an unarmed suspected drug dealer who was shot in the back while fleeing police Jan. 23.

During a two-hour meeting at Ypsilanti Senior Center that drew about 50 people, criticism was directed at the Washtenaw County prosecutor for quickly clearing Ypsilanti Police Officer Uriah Hamilton of criminal charges after he shot David Ware, 29.

Prosecutor Brian Mackie announced Tuesday that the shooting, which occurred in Ypsilanti during an undercover drug operation by area police, was a justifiable homicide.

Many in the crowd, both black and white, criticized the police for shooting an unarmed man in the back.

"Murder is not the answer to the drug problem in our neighborhood,'' said Trey Allen of Ypsilanti.

--SNIP---

At one point in the meeting, Kelly stood up and addressed Minzey. "Is this your solution to jail overcrowding?'' he asked. "It may sound sarcastic to you. It's real to me.''

Robert Hunter was one of a handful that called for the independent investigation.

"You ought to be ashamed of yourself to shoot someone in the back over drugs,'' Hunter told the three law enforcement officials.

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