Demonstrators call for charges in shooting

Family and friends of a man shot by an off-duty police officer in 2008 held a protest outside a Philadelphia police district – where the officer still works.

Family and friends of a man shot by an off-duty police officer in 2008 held a protest outside a Philadelphia police district – where the officer still works. Lawrence Allen was shot in November 2008 by off duty Philadelphia Policeman Chauncey Ellison following a dispute.

Listen:
[audio: 100113TMPROTEST.mp3]

Former District Attorney Lynne Abraham decided not to prosecute Ellison in connection with the shooting. Terri Bowen is Allen’s mother. She says she believes her son was shot in the back for no reason, and that the decision not to prosecute is unbelievable.

Bowen: My son went to walk away from him and he shot him in his back cold blooded put his gun on his back and tried to shoot him again. His pregnant wife jumped on top of him and begged him not to shoot him again in the midst of that my son died from that.

A spokesperson for newly installed Philadelphia DA Seth Williams says the office is reviewing the case to see if charges are warranted. The family says they were promised results within two weeks.