COPA finishes probe into fatal police shooting
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability said it completed its investigation into the “tragic” 2018 fatal police shooting of Harith Augustus, a well-regarded South Shore barber whose death sparked protests and unrest in Chicago.
COPA, which investigates the use of police force, said Tuesday it sent recommendations to Chicago Police Department Supt. David Brown. If COPA believes the officer should be disciplined, Brown would have 30 days to decide whether to bring administrative charges against him.
COPA didn’t say what its recommendations were but said they would be announced once CPD concludes its own investigation.
COPA Chief Administrator Sydney Roberts said an important part of its investigation surrounded the “interplay” between the Fourth Amendment and the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act.
Augustus — who was shot while police said he was grabbing for his gun — had a valid FOID card but no concealed carry permit, police said then.
The shooting unfolded July 14, 2018, after officers saw Augustus walking “with the outline of a handgun visible under his shirt” near 71st Street and Chappel Avenue, COPA said in its statement.
Augustus, 37, searched through his wallet, then pulled away from officers and moved into the street, COPA said. He then “appeared to grip the handle” of a firearm and “in response to the motion,” Officer Dillan Halley shot five times, fatally striking Augustus, COPA said.