A Wilson County grand jury has found that a Mt. Juliet police officer who fatally shot a passenger after a traffic stop in November did not act unlawfully, the district attorney general said.
Sgt. Josh Lo will not be charged in the death of Eric Jermaine Allen, based on the grand jury’s findings, 15th District Attorney General Jason Lawson said Wednesday.
Previously:Family demands justice, reform after Mt. Juliet police shooting
Attorney Terry Clayton, who represents the Allen family, told The Tennessean he intends to file a lawsuit and will request an investigation of the Mt. Juliet Police Department by the Department of Justice, claiming there was a “lack of institutional control in the use of deadly force.”
The officer “could have used non-lethal force to control the situation,” according to Clayton. He said police should not have asked for Allen’s identification or for asked him to step out of the vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle was a woman who was initially stopped allegedly for speeding and also having headlight that was out.
Police camera video shows Allen moved from the passenger side of the car to the driver’s side and began to drive away with the officer inside the vehicle.
At the outset of the traffic stop, Lo spoke with the driver and the situation appeared calm.
Eventually, the officer asked Allen to exit the vehicle, according to camera footage.
Allen did not exit. Within seconds, he began to drive as Lo repeatedly shouted warnings while attempting to grab Allen in the vehicle. The officer used a taser as Allen continued to drive with the officer inside the vehicle.
Mt. Juliet police described Lo as being “trapped” in the car.
Allen was shot multiple times.
Lo was placed on administrative leave. He returned to duty Nov. 30.
Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @ AndyHumbles.