DEARBORN, Mich. – A number of civil rights groups are marched Monday evening on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn as part of a protest against a deadly shooting of an unarmed man at the hands of a police officer.
The shooting on Dec. 23 happened in the city of Detroit. It started as a foot chase and ended when Kevin Matthews, 35, was shot dead by a Dearborn police officer. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Witness Ingrid Ellis called the scene "blood curdling."
"All I heard was 'boom, boom, boom,' like 12 shots, and when all is said and done the guy's body is down ... there in the driveway dead," she said.
Detroit Police Chief James Craig and Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad both said Matthews was wanted on a misdemeanor warrant from Redford Township. They added he was known to local businesses for thefts. Adding to the controversy, the police leaders claimed there was a struggle for the officer's weapon.
Chief Haddad said from the beginning that he stands behind his officer.
"The officer gave pursuit on foot. He ran for about half a block, caught up with the gentleman in the backyard of a home. There appears to be a struggle that took place over the officer's gun," said Haddad.
There have been several protests since the shooting led by the National Action Network. Monday night's protest includes other groups such as Black Lives Matter and Take On Hate.
Part of Michigan Avenue was blocked Monday evening as a group of protesters marched. They were escorted by police.
Meanwhile, an investigation into the shooting continues.