A "deeply disturbing" drama, according to local authorities.
A policeman in Tucson, Arizona, shot dead in his sixties suspected of theft in a store and using a motorized wheelchair, nine bullets, who refused to stop and had his back turned to him.
The Tucson police chief, who released videos of the drama, said he began dismissal proceedings against the police officer, Ryan Remington.
He was not on duty at the time of the incident, Monday evening, but was acting as a security guard in the supermarket where the alleged theft took place.
The leader, Chris Magnus, said he was "deeply disturbed" by the actions of his subordinate.
"His lethal use of force during this incident is a clear violation of the rules of our service," Chris Magnus said at a press conference on Tuesday evening.
The county prosecutor's office has opened an investigation, he said.
The victim armed with a knife
On Monday evening, an employee of a Walmart supermarket warned police officer Ryan Remington that an individual in a wheelchair had just stolen a toolbox from the store.
The employee said he requested proof of purchase from Richard Lee Richards, 61, but he said he pulled out a knife and threw "Here is your receipt", before heading for the exit.
Ryan Remington repeatedly asked Richard Lee Richards to stop and throw his knife but the latter ignored him, exiting the supermarket and crossing the parking lot to a DIY store on the other side.
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According to Chief Magnus, Ryan Remington, joined in the meantime by another police officer called on the scene, ordered the alleged thief not to enter this store.
"When Mr. Richards did not stop Constable Remington fired nine bullets, hitting him in the back and side," added his supervisor.
According to the police officer's lawyer, Michael Storie, his client tried to calm the situation but the victim's attitude left him "no other choice" than to use his weapon, he said. told the New York Times.
