http://www.wsws.org/articles/2003/fe...penn-f25.shtml
In justifying the shooting, Vernon greatly expanded upon what is considered to be justifiable grounds for police to shoot at a suspect. “The issue here is not whether [the officer] saw a weapon,” said Vernon. “But whether there was a potential for there to be a weapon in his pocket. It’s irrelevant that he saw or did not see Michael Ellerbe with a gun in his hand. I’m saying they can’t take that chance.”
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btw, cops shot him in the back when he was running away