XENIA, Ohio, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- A grand jury in Ohio declined Wednesday to bring charges against police officers who shot a young black man as he examined a pellet rifle in a Walmart.
After the decision was announced, Gov. John Kasich released a statement calling for a federal investigation into the death of John Crawford III, 22, of Fairfield, Ohio. Crawford's family has said they want investigators to determine if their son's race played a role in the shooting.
"This is a tragedy for the Crawford family and I share the concern of many in the community that this matter must be handled with the utmost seriousness and respect," the Republican governor said. "I've consulted with local leaders, including leaders in the African-American community, and I applaud the example they have set of calm, restraint and patience."
Crawford was shot Aug. 5 by officers responding to a report of a man with a gun in the Beavercreek Walmart. He had picked up an air rifle in the store and witnesses said he marched around with it, sometimes placing it over his shoulder.
The officers said Crawford did not respond to calls to drop the gun -- something his family says is untrue.
"I believe the grand jury's decision, it's absolutely the right decision, that the officers acted well within their training," Vince Pope, the lawyer representing the police officers, said.
