LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Little Rock Police Department fired Officer Charles Starks, a white officer, on Monday following the fatal shooting of Bradley Blackshire, a black motorist. The incident occurred on February 22nd when Starks discharged his weapon at least 15 times through the windshield of Blackshire’s moving vehicle.
According to police spokesman Michael Ford, Starks has 10 business days to appeal his termination. Robert Newcomb, Starks’ lawyer, has already initiated the appeal process, characterizing the firing as a “political” decision, according to Fox News reports.
Pulaski County prosecutor Larry Jegley declined to file charges against Starks on April 19th, a decision that was reportedly applauded by most police use of force experts. Authorities stated that Starks was responding to a call regarding a stolen vehicle, which a detective confirmed was being driven by Blackshire.
The city and police officials released a 25-minute video in March, compiled from surveillance and police dashcam footage, showing Starks instructing Blackshire to exit the parked vehicle. Blackshire instead began to slowly drive away, bumping Starks, who then fired four times into the windshield. The car briefly stopped, and Starks maneuvered onto the hood, firing at least 11 more times as the car continued to move. The shooting ceased when a second officer arrived and crashed into Blackshire’s vehicle.
Starks was subsequently placed on administrative leave while the department investigated the incident. The police department’s use-of-force policy dictates that officers should move out of the path of a moving vehicle rather than shooting at it. Officers are authorized to fire at a moving vehicle only to “prevent imminent death or serious physical injury,” as reported by KATV. The department also prohibits officers from boxing in vehicles and ramming vehicles. The video of the Blackshire shooting appears to show a police vehicle blocking his path and an officer ramming into the vehicle after it started moving. These actions appear to be central to the decision to terminate Starks.
In a letter to police Chief Keith Humphrey, prosecutor Jegley argued that the moving vehicle constituted a deadly threat, justifying Starks’ use of force. He stated that the department policy prohibiting firing at a moving vehicle does not negate the threat posed by the automobile as assessed by the officer. This raises questions about the adequacy of the policy or whether department administrators left Starks exposed under the circumstances.
An investigative report released by police indicated that methamphetamine, PCP, marijuana, and cocaine were found in Blackshire’s body. The report also included an interview in which Starks stated he “blacked out” and could not recall some specifics of the shooting. This phenomenon is not uncommon when cops are involved in fatal encounters.
A lawyer for Blackshire’s family did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Starks’ firing. After prosecutors declined to file charges, family members expressed their belief that the officer’s actions were “criminal.”
Newcomb, Starks’ attorney, suggested that the decision to fire Starks was influenced by Mayor Frank Scott, citing letters from Starks’ superiors recommending against termination. Ford clarified that the police chief makes the final decision on any termination.
A spokesman for the mayor stated that Scott “respects Chief Humphrey’s decision” but would not comment further. Scott, the city’s first elected black mayor, has previously advocated for an independent citizen review board to examine excessive police force and has initiated the process of acquiring body cameras for officers.