Officer Charged With Murder After Killing Black Man Breaking Up A Fight

Wolfe City Police Officer Shaun Lucas has been charged with murder after fatally shooting 31-year-old Jonathan Price on October 3.

Lucas responded to a report of a possible altercation at approximately 8 p.m. on Saturday. According to attorney Lee Merritt, Price had intervened and broken up the fight before Lucas arrived on the scene.

"Mr. Price did not become violent, but there was a male who was aggressive towards a woman," attorney Lee Merritt said.

"He intervened, and the situation was resolved before law enforcement arrived," according to witnesses.

After arriving on the scene, Lucas attempted to detain Price, who "resisted in a non-threatening" manner. Then, the officer tased Price and then shot him. EMS was immediately called to the scene and transported him to Hunt Regional Hospital. Two days later, authorities took Lucas to Hunt County Jail where he was charged with murder and held on a $1 million bond.

"The preliminary investigation indicates that the actions of Officer Lucas were not objectionably reasonable. The Texas Rangers have charged Officer Lucas with the offense of Murder and booked him into the Hunt County Jail," the Texas Rangers stated.

Attorneys are now looking to have security footage of the incident released and will look to file a lawsuit against the police department.

"We want to see a copy of the video. We want to see the official police reports," Merritt said.

Price's family and friends were visibly shaken up by the news. The 31-year-old Texas native was an athlete and prominent member of his community.

"I loved my son, and I tried to bring him up to do the right thing," Jonathan's father, Junior Price, said.

"Jonathan Price was an awesome young man during his time with Cowboy Football. Was only with us for a short time in 2008 but was always a Cowboy. Prayers for comfort and peace for Jonathan's family," Price's college football coach, Jesse Burleson added.

A GoFundMe was also set up to cover Price's funeral expenses and has garnered over $70,000. His funeral services are set to take place later this month.

Photo: Getty Images


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