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Hispanic Community Leaders Say Their Confidence in FWPD is Shaken

By Jeff Neumeyer
June 18, 2010 Updated Dec 31, 2007 at 5:12 PM EST


Leaders of Fort Wayne's Hispanic community say their confidence level in the Fort Wayne Police Department may depend on results of an investigation into a shooting before Christmas in which a rookie officer killed an illegal immigrant.

Police commanders tell our Jeff Neumeyer, they have evidence that should help sort out whether the actions of the officer were justified.

Around 30 people, including family members of Jose Lemus Rodriguez and other Hispanic citizens, gathered Monday afternoon in support of a thorough examination of the December 23rd shooting that claimed the life of the 24-year old Rodriguez.

Rookie officer James Arnold shot and killed Rodriguez at the end of a police chase, saying he felt Rodriguez was trying to run over patrolmen at the scene.

Police Chief Rusty York says the incident was captured on cameras mounted in two separate squad cars.

Rusty York/Fort Wayne Police Chief: " For not only our investigators, but any other body that looks at this going forward, they'll have an accurate account of what happened."

Fernando Zapari/Hispanic Community Leader: " There was no reason to shoot this young man as many times as they did, and I mean, where are the stun guns?"

David Morales/Questions Shooting: " I don't think there was any negotiation in this case. I think it was pretty much, just kill him and that's it. You know, call it a day."

Hispanic residents came to the gathering to stand behind the Lemus Rodriguez family, including the father, Baudilio Lemus Rodriguez from Guatemala, who believes Officer Arnold should be behind bars for what occurred.

The family has retained a lawyer, but interpreters for Baudilio Lemus Rodriguez say the family will wait for the outcome of the investigation into the shooting to decide what action to take next.



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