NEW YORK, June 13 (UPI) -- A New York police officer surrendered Wednesday in Bronx Criminal Court to face charges in the shooting death of an unarmed teen.
Richard Haste faces charges of first- and second-degree manslaughter related to a police raid on a Bronx apartment building Feb. 2 that resulted in the death of Ramarley Graham, 18, the New York Daily News reported.
Haste was part of a street narcotics enforcement unit that followed Graham to his home from an area known for drug dealing after being told the teen was observed with a gun in his waistband, the newspaper said.
Haste claims he thought he saw a gun before he opened fire on Graham in a bathroom. The New York Post said Graham was shot in front of his younger brother and grandmother.
Officials say police found a bag of marijuana near Graham's body and suspected he was trying to flush it down the toilet. No weapon was found.
Neighbors say they intend to sue the city for trauma related to the police raid, the Daily News said.
