Two groups from Dallas and the family of a deceased suspect accused of running an officer with his SUV last week is demanding an outside agency to investigate the officer-involved shooting.
Waco Police said officers shot at 37-year-old Kerry Bradley after he ran over officer William Graeber in the 2300 block of Olive Avenue. They said this happened after officers were trying to serve him a search warrant on him and a vehicle.
At a press conference on Thursday, Bradley's family, the American Coalition of Discerning Citizens, the Next Generation Action Network and Bradley's family said it happened differently.
They claim witnesses told them the SUV didn't move until police fired the shots.
"This family wants justice and we ask that right now the Waco Police recuse themselves themselves from investigating this matter and ask an outside agency to investigate the case regarding Kerry Bradley," Next Generation Action Network Founder Dominique Alexander said.
The Waco Special Crimes Unit and the Texas Rangers are investigating the officer-involved shooting.
"What we are seeking is transparency and accountability. The family needs to be given details versus this skewed narrative that is geared to making the victim, the culprit." Next Generation Action Network Attorney Kim Cole said.
Waco Police Chief Ryan Holt released the following statement when asked to comment on the family's allegations.
“Any death, regardless of the circumstances, is a tragedy. As I have said before, I ask that the thoughts and prayers of the community be with the Bradley Family as they grieve their loss and with Officer Graeber and his family as they move through a lengthy recovery," Holt said. "We will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation being conducted by the Texas Rangers and the Special Crimes Unit. It would be inappropriate and premature for me to comment on the status of the investigation before it is presented to the District Attorney’s Office," Holt said.
The groups claimed witnesses with video evidence have tried to come forward but they have been intimidated. The Texas Rangers asked anyone with video or who witnessed the event to come forward. They said no one has done thus far.
Officer Graeber's condition continues to improve and doctors expect a full recovery.
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