In the killing of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, former Atlanta Police Officer Garrett Rolfe has been charged with felony murder and several counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; announced Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard at a press conference in Atlanta.
On June 12, Brooks was shot and killed in a Wendy’s parking lot by Garrett, a white officer who was fired the following day by the mayor.
Officer Devin Brosnan responded to a call that Rayshard was asleep in his car while parked in the drive-thru of a Wendy fast food. Arrived on the scene, Brosnan asked Brooks to move his car and before requesting backup.
Minutes later, Officer Garrett Rolfe came, questionned Brooks for more than 20 minutes and gave him a sobriety test. They had a very friendly conversation until Brooks failed the test and started resisting when Rolfe proceeded to arrest him.
In his fight, Rayshard succeeded to snatch Brosnan’s Taser and began to flee. The two officers chased him and Rayshard turned and pointed the Taser toward Rolfe who fired three times and shot him in the back twice.
Rolfe faces 11 charges, including felony murder, felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and violation of oath of office. He will face life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.
Officer Devin Brosnan who was first placed on administrative duty has also been charged with aggravated assault.
