Ohio Police Officer Charged With Murder In Shooting Of Unarmed Black Man

A University of Cincinnati police officer has reportedly been charged with murder for the shooting of an unarmed man during a traffic stop.

Officer Ray Tensing pulled over 43-year-old Samuel DuBose at around 6:30 pm on July 19 when he saw him driving without a front license plate, according to Daily Mail.

The five-year veteran of law enforcement asked DuBose for his driver's license, which he failed to produce. At one point, DuBose allegedly handed him a bottle of alcohol from the front seat.

DuBose, who has reportedly been arrested more than 60 times, seemingly refused to acknowledge he had broken a law by driving without a front license plate.

Officer Tensing asked him to step out of his vehicle and tried to open the car door when DuBose did not comply. DuBose then started the engine.

Officer Tensing allegedly yelled, "Stop!" twice before producing his gun and shooting DuBose in the head.

DuBose's car drove on for about a block and stopped after running up onto the sidewalk with his dead body slumped over the seat.

In a police report, Officer Tensing said he fired because he was being dragged by the car and needed to break free.

Prosecutor Joe Deters, however, told reporters Officer Tensing resorted to lethal force far too quickly.

In the press conference, Deters said,

He wasn't dealing with someone wanted for murder. He was dealing with someone without a front license plate.

Officer Tensing turned himself in and was indicted by a grand jury earlier today for what Deters believes was an intentional murder. He may face life in prison if convicted.

Here is the full body cam video of the encounter.

Citations: University of Cincinnati police officer is charged with murder for shooting unarmed black man dead in traffic stop filmed by his bodycam (Daily Mail)