Del City Police, Witnesses Disagree On Facts Surrounding Shooting

Del City Police say they had to shoot a man who led them on a dangerous police chase, but a man who says he saw it unfold isn't so sure.

Police say it began Wednesday afternoon as a routine traffic stop in Del City's Tanglewood area. It ended two miles west of there, next to an I-35 on ramp. 

"The only time we use deadly force is if we fear for our lives or in the protection of other peoples' lives," said Del City Police Capt. Jody Suit.     

Police say the driver ran his vehicle into the back of an 18-wheeler and then tried to run away.  A police cruiser pulled up and tried to block him in.

Police then say the suspect pulled what looked like a firearm on an officer.  That officer shot and killed the suspect. 

But Simon Owusu says he was standing nearby and saw it all. He tells News 9 he never saw a gun.

"He doing this with his hands up. So how you gonna shoot that boy? It's wrong," said Owusu.

Suit says police did what they had to do and he says the investigation will prove it.

"Anyone who saw anything, every witness is a piece of the case. [We will] talk to everyone involved," said Suit.

Suit says there were two passengers in the car with the suspect.  He says they tried to surrender during the chase and are being questioned. 

Police say in addition to a firearm, they also found marijuana and other drugs in the car.

3/14/2012 Related Story: Suspect In Del City High Speed Chase Dies At Hospital