Christopher Schurr has been named by Grand Rapids, Michigan, police as the officer who fatally shot Patrick Lyoya, on April 4, during a traffic stop.
In an effort to be transparent, Chief Eric Winstrom released the name of the officer as he stated that it had already been going around.
During Lyoya’s funeral, on Friday, April 22, the Reverend Al Sharpton had called for police to name the officer involved in the shooting.
While performing a traffic stop, Lyoya didn’t listen to Schurr’s commands to stay in his car. He then struggled with the officer as he attempted to grab the officer’s taser. Schurr eventually shot Lyoya, 26, in the head.
Schurr has been placed on administrative leave. A state police investigation is currently taking place as possible criminal charges may come. Additionally, an internal affairs investigation is being conducted to see if department guidelines were followed.
Schurr is said to have been with the force for the last seven years.
The department has had a policy where officers’ names aren’t revealed until after the conclusion of an administrative investigation. However, the Grand Rapids Police Department is now reviewing this guideline.
“I’m glad they finally released his name after having national pressure from national leadership coming to Grand Rapids. The community has been asking for his name for the last 24 days…,” stated Robert Womack, the Kent County Commissioner.
