A Chicago police officer who shot and killed a black man who was running away from police will not be charged, Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez said on Monday.
The decision comes on the same day that the Justice Department announced that it was launching an investigation into the Chicago Police Department's use of force and deadly force.
During the press conference, Alvarez showed a dash-cam video that showed Officer George Hernandez stepping out of his unmarked vehicle to join the pursuit for Ronald Johnson.
Hernandez fires quickly thereafter hitting Johnson twice in the back.
Alvarez explained that under the law, Hernandez could have felt threatened even if Johnson was running away. She showed video of another case, where a suspect shot an officer without turning around.
Also, Alvarez explained, the law allows the use of lethal force if an officer believes the suspect poses a threat to others. Alvarez said Johnson was running toward an arriving police vehicle.
"I have a tough job," Alvarez said. "I think I have the hardest job in this county. I have to make decisions like this every day."
The shooting happened in 2014.
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