A double amputee was fatally shot by police after he allegedly attempted to evade arrest, with his family now questioning the level of force used.
Anthony Lowe Jr, a 36-year-old father of two lost both of his legs following a previous encounter with police in Texas, the New York Post reported.
The Huntington Park Police Department was called on Thursday, January 26, after Lowe reportedly stabbed someone without provocation.
The 36-year-old, who was allegedly holding a butcher's knife at the time, attempted to flee the scene by getting out of his wheelchair and hopping down the street.
When confronted by police officers who initially attempted to taser him, Lowe continued to flee the scene. A police vehicle arrived and an armed officer fatally shot the father of two.
The police department has since claimed that the officer opened fire at Lowe after he had attempted to throw the knife in the direction of the officers.
The family members of the deceased have questioned the amount of force the police used due to Lowe's physical condition.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, as cited by the Los Angeles Times, Dorothy Lowe - the 36-year-old's mother - said: "I just want the truth. Nothing but the truth and justice for my son. My son was murdered."
Joining the grieving mother were family and friends, alongside members of the Coalition for Community Control Over the Police.
Cliff Smith, an organizer of the group, said: "Anthony was brutally executed by Huntington Park police officers last Thursday in an attack that was vicious and cowardly."
Ellakenyada Gorum, Lowe's cousin said: "It’s sad, really sad how the police are getting away with killing our African American people. He was in a wheelchair. What more could he do?"
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s homicide unit is investigating the shooting, as is customary with all fatal shootings that involve police officers in the area.
The officers responsible for the shooting have been placed on leave, said Lt. Hugo Reynaga. He added that their names will be released in the coming days, and footage shows them shooting at Lowe "around 10 times."
He revealed that officers used two tasers before shooting but they were ineffective and Lowe wasn't responding to their commands.
The man who Lowe allegedly stabbed was in critical condition following the incident that lead to the police being called.
Lowe's mother expressed her worry that any footage of her son being killed might lead to destructive riots, adding that: "I don’t want our city to be torn down."
It comes after protests were held following the death of Tyre Nichols, who died after a traffic stop in Memphis, Tennessee.
Five officers were charged with murder and kidnapping as a result, with more officials being relieved of their duties as investigations into his death continue.
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