Video shows officer was unaware he shot man during struggle

HADDON TOWNSHIP, N.J. – Dash camera video shows a police officer was seemingly unaware he had shot a man while they struggled during a traffic stop.

The Philadelphia Inquirer (http://bit.ly/2fXiIcT) obtained the footage of the Haddon Township officer pulling over 38-year-old Edmond Brown on Oct. 29 for having a visible handicap placard, which by law should be taken down while driving.

The recording shows Brown drive off with the officer clinging to the driver’s-side window. The vehicle slammed into a parked car and Brown attempted to flee on foot.

The officer grabbed Brown and shot him once in the leg. Brown told the officer, “You shot me!” The office replied, “No, I didn’t.”

Brown was treated for a gunshot wound and charged with aggravated assault, eluding, hindering apprehension and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Officers found a loaded revolver in the damaged truck, authorities said. Brown told police the truck belonged to someone he knew.

Officials are investigating whether the shooting was justified.

Kenneth Aita, Brown’s attorney, said his firm will be conducting its own investigation and is seeking any possible witnesses.

“I just ask that nobody rushes to judgment based on a short video clip alone,” Aita said.

The last shooting involving police in Camden County occurred in November 2015.

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Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, http://www.inquirer.com