FERGUSON, Mo., Oct. 18 (UPI) -- The law enforcement officer who fatally shot Michael Brown two months ago told investigators the unarmed black teen pinned him in his car and was trying to grab his gun.
Government officials briefed on the federal civil rights investigation into the matter told The New York Times that Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson told investigators that during the Aug. 9 incident Brown pushed him back inside of his vehicle as he attempted to exit, pinning him down within. Wilson said that in the ensuing struggle he feared for his life as Brown punched and scratched him and went for the officer's sidearm.
Two shots were fired in the car, one hitting Brown in the arm, according to forensics tests by the FBI, which also found Brown's blood inside the vehicle and on the weapon.
The account does not explain why Wilson shot Brown six times as the 18-year-old ran away. It is the first time Wilson's testimony to investigators has been made public.
Several witnesses have said Brown had his hands in the air when Wilson shot him multiple times, while others said that he was moving toward the officer.
The encounter began as Brown and a friend, Dorian Johnson, walked down the middle of the street and were ordered to the sidewalk by Wilson, who rode in a police SUV.
Johnson said Wilson backed up the vehicle and hit the two with an open door before putting Brown in a choke hold from his window. Johnson said the officer drew his firearm and threatened to shoot as he tried pulling Brown within. Brown struggled to get free, and Johnson said that after Wilson fired, hitting Brown, the two ran.
Unrest from Brown's killing has led to ongoing riots and protesting in Ferguson.
Officials said forensics evidence corroborates Wilson's story, but Benjamin Crump, attorney for the Brown family, dismissed the testimony and said that the officer should be indicted by a grand jury.
"What the police say is not to be taken as gospel," Crump said.
