Title: New Rochelle Police Shoot and Kill Black Man Accused of Theft
Subtitle: Family and Community Demand Justice and Full Release of Body Cam Footage
Date: July 15, 2022
In a tragic incident that has sparked outrage and demands for justice, a New Rochelle police officer fatally shot Jarrell Garris, a 37-year-old Black man, after he was accused of stealing a few dollars’ worth of fruit from a local grocery store. Garris, who had been a resident of New Rochelle for over 30 years, died in the hospital a week later.
The shooting took place on July 3 in New Rochelle, a suburb of New York City. According to reports, Garris was accused of eating a few grapes and a banana from the store without paying, leading to a call to the police. The New Rochelle Police Department stated that Garris was shot when he allegedly attempted to grab a gun from an officer’s holster during his arrest.
The release of body camera footage by the police department has further fueled public outcry. The video, although it shows events leading up to the shooting, cuts off before the actual incident. Family and community members have questioned the decision to truncate the video, demanding the release of the full footage to shed light on what happened.
Raymond Fowler, Garris’s father, expressed his deep grief and disbelief at the tragic incident, stating that he still cannot comprehend the loss of his only son. Fowler also believes that racial bias played a role in his son’s death, emphasizing that Garris had been a respected member of the community and was known by several police officers.
The State Attorney General’s office is currently investigating the shooting, as is standard practice in incidents involving police officers causing a death. The three officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The community of New Rochelle has rallied behind Garris’s family, demanding justice and a thorough investigation into the actions of the officers. During a recent City Council meeting, residents expressed their anger and disappointment over the shooting, highlighting the disparities in how individuals are treated based on race.
The New Rochelle branch of the N.A.A.C.P. called for the complete release of the body camera footage and a comprehensive examination of the officers’ conduct. Community members stressed that food insecurity should never result in a death and that the police should not act as judge, jury, and executioner.
Furthermore, questions have been raised about the handling of the situation given Garris’s mental health diagnosis. Garris, who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, had been taking medication with few issues. Mr. Fowler questioned why mental health services were not involved and why officers did not seek assistance in dealing with his son’s mental health condition.
Jarrell Garris is remembered by his father as a beloved family man with a bright personality. He was a dedicated father and caretaker who had a passion for learning about Black history and cheering for the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Knicks.
As the investigation unfolds, the community of New Rochelle will be closely watching for a transparent and fair process that addresses concerns of racial bias and the proper handling of individuals with mental health conditions. The demand for justice and accountability has become increasingly urgent as Jarrell Garris’s tragic death continues to resonate with residents and advocates for police reform across the nation.