Bouncer Killed by Cop Had Good Reason to Work Overtime

Lawyers say he was supporting his partner, who's pregnant with 2nd child
By Arden Dier,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 14, 2018 9:25 AM CST
Bouncer Killed by Cop Leaves Infant, Unborn Child
Jemel Roberson with his son, Tristan.   (Avontea Boose via AP)

Lawyers who've filed a wrongful death lawsuit in the fatal police shooting of a black security guard at an Illinois bar Sunday say the 26-year-old was working overtime to support his partner, who's pregnant with the couple's second child. Jemel Roberson and Avontea Boose, who have a 9-month-old son, planned to tell their families about the pregnancy this week, reports CBS Chicago. Before that could happen, Roberson was mistakenly killed by a white Midlothian police officer responding to a shooting at Manny's Blue Room Lounge, though his shirt and hat clearly identified him as security, lawyers say.

One of several men asked to leave the bar had returned and opened fire, injuring three people, including a bartender, reports CNN. When police arrived, Roberson "had somebody on the ground ... with his gun in his back like, 'Don't move,'" a witness tells WGN. "We all yelled, 'He's a security. He's a security,' and without ... giving any thought, they shot him." Midlothian Police Chief Daniel Delaney initially described Roberson as a "subject with a gun," then later as "a brave man who was doing his best to end an active shooter situation." The officer involved is on paid administrative leave amid an investigation. (More on the case here.)

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