FERGUSON, M.O. — Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson has released the name of the officer involved in the deadly shooting of an unarmed teenager. Β
Officer Darren Wilson is accused of shooting and killing 18-year-old Michael Brown. Β Brown’s death has spurred violent protests in the suburb of Ferguson, which is located just outside of St. Louis, for the last week. Β
Wilson has been on the force for six years, according to Jackson. Β It took the police department nearly a week to release the name of the officer involved in the shooting. Β Police claim it was because they feared for the officer’s safety. Β
Police say Brown tried to grab the officer’s gun while witnesses say Brown was holding his hands in the air when he was shot repeatedly.
“He’s devastated by this. He’s heartbroken. This is his community. You know, he never wanted any of this to happen. And he’s certainly heartbroken by the continuous violence that’s been going on. It’s tough. It’s hard,” said Chief Thomas Jackson with the Ferguson, Missouri police about Officer Wilson.
