Police officer may end up facing charges over Chris Kaba shooting
A police officer who shot dead Chris Kaba could face charges after a watchdog has concluded its investigation into the fatal shooting.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) today concluded its homicide investigation and has referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider potential charges.
The 24-year-old, who was unarmed, was shot by police on September 5.
He died in Streatham Hill, south London, after being followed by an unmarked police car that had no lights or sirens turned on.
After his Audi drove down Kirkstall Gardens he was blocked by a marked police vehicle and there was ‘contact’ between the two cars, a court previously heard.
It is believed the Audi Chris was driving was linked to a firearms incident that had taken place the previous day.
An automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) marker had been placed upon it.
A police marksman then fired a single shot through the windscreen, hitting Mr Kaba in the head.
Following his death there were vigils and thousands of people protested across London against the treatment of black people by police.
His family had three requests following his death, and these included that the officer who pulled the trigger to kill Chris be interviewed under caution. This is believed to have now taken place.
They also wanted an urgent decision on whether the officer/s involved will be charged with murder, manslaughter, or other charges.
Now seven months on, further details have been sent to the CPS, who will consider charging the officer.
IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: ‘This was a tragic incident and our investigators have been working hard to ensure that our comprehensive investigation has been completed without undue delay and within the six-to-nine-month timeframe we provided.
‘Mr Kaba died after he was struck by a single gunshot fired by an MPS officer into the vehicle he was driving.
‘During the investigation, the officer was advised they were under criminal investigation for murder and following the conclusion of our investigation we have referred a file of evidence to the CPS to determine whether to charge the officer.
‘A referral to the CPS does not necessarily mean that criminal charges will follow. It is now for the CPS to decide, applying the tests in the Code for Crown Prosecutors, whether or not to prosecute the officer.
‘Mr Kaba’s family and the officer involved have been notified of this development.’
In a joint statement, the family of Chris Kaba said: ‘Our family, alongside the community who have supported us over the past seven months, have been consistent in our call for accountability.
‘This step forward is necessary and welcome. We urge the Crown Prosecution Service to do their bit and provide their advice to the IOPC urgently.
‘We very much hope that the CPS advise in favour of a prosecution and that the truth will emerge, without delay, through criminal proceedings. Our family and community cannot continue waiting for answers.
‘Chris was so loved by our family and all his friends. He had a bright future ahead of him before his life was cut short. We must see justice for Chris.’
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