No Charges filed by LA County DA in Police Killing of Black Man

March 9, 2005 Tron Nick

Police Believe Kenyante Reed had a Gun. No Gun was Found.

The Los Angeles County district attorney's office will not file criminal charges against a Long Beach police officer who fatally shot an unarmed man in July. The district attorney concluded that Officer David Garcia, whom the city later fired, acted in self-defense July 16 when he shot 22-year-old Keyante Reed near Second Street and Orange Avenue. Witnesses told police and district attorney's investigators that Reed led Garcia on a chase into a driveway before growling and lunging toward the officer, prompting Garcia to fire once at Reed's chest. "Although it was later determined that Reed did not have a weapon, Officer Garcia reasonably believed that he was in imminent danger of death of serious injury when he fired his gun," the report said. The city fired Garcia, a three-year veteran, Dec. 3 after a shooting review board recommended his termination. Police Chief Anthony Batts said at the time that Garcia's actions were inconsistent with his training. Deputy Chief Ted Hulsey said the department was not surprised by the district attorney's conclusion, noting that the Police Department used different standards to reach its conclusion on Garcia's termination. The Reed case drew citywide attention last summer as members of Reed's family criticized Garcia's action. Family members said Garcia left himself few options but to fire his weapon if the situation with Reed got beyond control. Garcia was on patrol about 11 p.m. when Reed called for his attention. Reed, who was carrying a can of beer, began yelling profanities at the officer and passing drivers, according to the district attorney's report. Garcia followed Reed on foot down Second Street. Reed zig-zagged through cars and told the officer to "kill me now. Kill me now," witnesses said. Garcia shot Reed in a driveway after Reed screamed, growled and lunged toward the officer. Toxicology reports later showed traces of marijuana, but no alcohol, in Reed's system. [ more ]