Driver disputes police account of teen shooting

DOVER, Del. – A witness to a police-involved shooting that killed a 16-year-old boy in Delaware is disputing accounts given by authorities.

The News Journal reports that 18-year-old Khalif Miller said he saw no reason for police to shoot and kill Julian Pitcher last weekend. Miller was the driver in a vehicle carrying Pitcher when it was pulled over by police.

Police say Pitcher, a front seat passenger, pulled out a gun as the trooper approached the vehicle. Pitcher was killed when police say he and the trooper exchanged gunfire. Police said a gun was located at the scene.

But Miller said Pitcher did not have a gun and there was no shootout with police.

The trooper, identified as a 35-year-old man with two years’ experience with Delaware State Police, was not injured.