A year later, community members demand justice for Philly man slain by cop
They're calling for officer who fired fatal shot to be criminally charged. The city's district attorney's office is investigating.
Isaac Gardner (left), of the Justice for David Jones Coalition, leads a small protest outside the district attorney's office calling for charges against Ryan Pownall, the Philadelphia police officer who fatally shot Jones during a traffic stop. (Emma Lee/WHYY)
It’s been a year since Philadelphia Police Officer Ryan Pownall fatally shot Germantown resident David Jones. He’d stopped Jones for riding a dirt bike and, after Jones dropped an illegal weapon and ran, Pownall shot Jones in the back.
Pownall was fired three months later, but community members aren’t satisfied. They want to see charges brought against the former cop.
Outside of district attorney Larry Krasner’s office Friday, two demonstrators joined former WURD host Ikey Raw to demand justice for the slain 30-year-old.
Raw has led a number of demonstrations since the shooting, disrupting events throughout the city with calls for criminal charges. The 41-year-old Northeast Philadelphia resident said he has no plans of letting up.
“As long as I’m breathing, as long as I’m able to put my boots on and lace them up, I will be in these streets,” said Raw.
“I will be where ever I need to be, keeping the name of David Jones alive, keeping his memory alive until this officer is charged for the murder.”
Krasner’s office declined comment due to the ongoing investigation.
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 president John McNesby also couldn’t be reached for comment. McNesby has previously said Pownall’s actions were justified.
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