Recently, a judge dismissed a case for cop who shot a Philadelphia man. Citizens resort to riots and looting soon after.
On August 14, police shot and killed a man who was allegedly wielding a knife. Officers were attempting to make a traffic stop when the man drove off. He started to drive down a one-way street and eventually came to a stop.
The officers say the person driving the vehicle exited and started to approach them with a knife. They told him multiple times to drop his weapon but he didn’t. As he lunged forward one of them discharged their firearm multiple times hitting the man.
The victim’s aunt says he was diagnosed as “demented” and was reaching for his wallet and not a knife.
Eddie Irizarry Case
A judge dismissed the case and a murder count for the officer who shot Eddie Irizarry. In fact, the judge agreed with the defense who said the officer could have been fearing for his life.
The defense claims the officer acted in self-defense. Officer Michael Morris, the partner of the shooter, testified that he saw the driver holding a knife. Furthermore, he claims he saw a black metal handle that could’ve been a gun — ended up being a knife. He said Irizarry was holding the knife by his leg and started to raise it as Officer Dial approached the car.
Outrage came from Irizarry’s family, who said the ruling sends a message that police officers can do whatever they want.
His family says there are videos and witnesses to prove Irizarry never exited his car. His aunt claims he only locked his vehicle and was not a threat.
How Locals Responded To This Case
Tuesday night, multiple groups of rioters looted different retail stores and small businesses in Philadelphia neighborhoods. Most of the looting took place in the center city but there was also looting on the east and north sides.
Large groups of people looted multiple stores including the Foot Locker at 15th and Chestnut Streets and the Apple Store on Walnut Street near 16th. Following this, a security guard at the Foot Locker was assaulted by people in these groups.
Cameras also showed rioters in a Lululemon store nearby leaving with plastic bags filled with stolen merchandise.
An Apple store was also looted. Many new iPhone 15s and iPads were stolen. Most of the devices were broken or dropped by looters. Police found and recovered a pile of Phones nearby.
Police estimate as many as 100 juveniles were looting in Center City and about 15-20 have been arrested. Dayjia Blackwell, a 21-year-old, allegedly used her social media platform to promote looting at several locations. She is alleged to have engaged in criminal activities herself.
Because of this, she is charged with Burglary, Conspiracy, Criminal Trespass, Riot, Criminal Mischief, Criminal Use of Communication Facility, Receipt of Stolen Property, and Disorderly Conduct.
The Aftermath Of These Riots
Some stores recovered after the looting although many will be closed for longer. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board closed all 48 of its Philadelphia retail locations in addition to one in suburban Cheltenham.
Most stores could reopen Thursday, excluding the ten that were so damaged they will need more time for recovery. Consequently, it could take days or weeks to repair and reopen those stores.
Police released the names and mugshots of 30 of the looters charged after the chaotic night of rioting and raiding across Philadelphia. So far at least 50 people were arrested and three were juveniles.
By Jamarion Thomas
Sources:
CBS News: Stores looted in Center City, North Philadelphia, and Northeast Philadelphia
6 ABC: Officials: Knife-wielding man shot, killed by Philadelphia police
Mirror: Philadelphia looters: Rioter ‘Meatball’ sheds tears as police name and shame 30
Featured Image Courtesy of Doraemon’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Bruce Fingerhood’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
