A traffic stop in Cincinnati over a missing front license plate has led to unarmed Black Man, Samuel Dubose, 43, to be fatally shot in the head by a police officer.
Officer Ray Tensing fatally shot Samuel Dubose, 43, on Sunday after a struggle at a traffic stop over a missing license tag, Cincinnati police said. Dubose was driving away when Tensing shot him in the head, police said.
Investigators will present the evidence to Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters, who will decide if any criminal charges are warranted, according to a press release issued Wednesday. It’s not known when Deters will make a decision.
Local activists are complaining the killing is similar to police slayings of black men or youth in other cities, like Tamir Rice in Cleveland and Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Dubose was black and Tensing is white.
“These routine traffic stops turn fatal and are becoming a norm around the country,” said Brian Taylor, an activist with Black Lives Matter: Cincinnati, who attended a community meeting on the killing. “We’re at the end of our ropes.”
Tensing asked several times to see Dubose’s driver’s license, Cincinnati police said. Instead, police said, Dubose handed the officer a bottle of alcohol. Tensing asked Dubose to step out of the car, at which point a struggle ensued, police said.
“There was a struggle at the door with Mr. Dubose in the vehicle and the officer outside the vehicle, and the vehicle sped away,” Cincinnati police Lt. Col. James Whalen told reporters.
Samuel Dubose is said to leave behind 13 children. For all those who are unsure, this is a clear-cut case of #BlackLivesMatter.
Flip through the gallery to see photos from the scene.
