Attorneys Call for Release of Body Camera Footage in Police Shooting of Black Man in Shreveport

The legal representatives for Fleen Myles III, a Black man who was recently shot by a police officer in Shreveport, Louisiana, are demanding the release of the body camera footage. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, November 5, has raised serious concerns about police conduct and transparency.

Family Seeks Clarity and Justice

Bakari Sellers, a renowned national civil rights attorney, spoke on behalf of Fleen Myles III’s family and expressed their desire for clarity in this tragic case. In a statement released on December 1, Sellers emphasized the need for the Shreveport Police Department (SPD) to release the body camera video and address the concerns raised by the family and the community.

Sellers stated, “Nearly a month has passed since Fleen Myles III was killed, and the Shreveport Police Department still hasn’t released the body camera video or addressed any of the serious concerns raised by Fleen’s family or this community. If Chief Smith and the SPD want this community to trust them, they need to release the video now.”

Investigation Underway

The fatal shooting is currently being investigated by Louisiana State Police (LSP) detectives at the request of the local police department. An LSP spokesperson confirmed that all reports and video evidence will be submitted to the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office once the investigation concludes. The involvement of the LSP in the investigation aims to ensure impartiality and transparency in the process.

The Incident and Allegations

The incident took place in the morning of Sunday, November 5, when a Shreveport police officer initiated a traffic stop on Marquette Avenue in Shreveport. According to a press release, Fleen Myles III, who was a passenger in the vehicle, fled the scene on foot. The pursuit ended with Myles allegedly producing a handgun, which prompted the officer to open fire. Unfortunately, Myles was struck by the bullets and was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries. It is important to note that the officer involved in the incident did not sustain any injuries.

However, conflicting accounts have emerged regarding whether Myles was armed during the incident. Bystanders have claimed that he did not possess a weapon at the time. The release of the body camera footage would provide crucial evidence to verify these claims and shed light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Seeking Justice and Truth

Bakari Sellers reiterated the family’s plea for justice and truth in the wake of this devastating loss. He emphasized that the family has waited long enough for answers and deserves transparency in the investigation. Sellers stated, “All this family is asking for is justice. They just want the truth, and they’ve waited long enough to get it.”

Remembering Myles Fleen III

Loved ones have expressed their condolences and shared memories of Myles Fleen III on a tribute wall. They described him as someone with a great spirit, highlighting the impact he made on those around him.