SHOCK VIDEO: Tucson police officer fired after fatally shooting a 61-year-old in a mobility scooter nine times for shoplifting at Walmart

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Tucson, Arizona — A Tucson police officer has been fired after he was accused of shooting a shoplifting suspect in a wheelchair nine times, killing him, after the man brandished a knife, authorities said.

The following statement has been released by Tucson Police Department Chief Chris Magnus regarding an officer involved shooting that occurred on November 29, 2021, in the Lowe’s parking lot, located at 1800 W. Valencia Rd:

“Shortly before six, a Walmart (1650 W. Valencia Rd.) employee contacted an off-duty Tucson Police Officer who was working a special duty assignment at Walmart. The Walmart employee told the officer that an individual in a motorized wheelchair, later identified as Richard Lee Richards (61), had stolen a toolbox. TPD Officer Ryan Remington, who’s been with the department four years, joined the Walmart employee in the parking lot and followed Mr. Richards while attempting to gain his cooperation. According to the employee, he caught up with Mr. Richards outside as he fled the store and asked to see a receipt for the toolbox. Instead of providing the receipt, Mr. Richards brandished a knife and said, “Here’s your receipt.”

Officer Remington wanted Mr. Richards to stop and to surrender his knife. Mr. Richards refused to comply, and instead continued to head through the Walmart and Lowe’s parking lots. According to the Walmart employee, Mr. Richards said, “If you want me to put down the knife, you’re going to have to shoot me.” As Mr. Richards approached the entrance to the garden section of Lowe’s, Officer Stephanie Taylor arrived to assist Officer Remington. Both officers were just a short distance behind Mr. Richards when they warned him not to enter the store. When Mr. Richards failed to stop, Officer Remington fired nine rounds, striking him in the back and side. Mr. Richards then fell out of his wheelchair onto the floor [Officer Remington was the only officer that discharged his weapon]. Officers rendered medical care, but a short time later Mr. Richards was declared dead.

To be clear, I am deeply troubled by Officer Remington’s actions. His use of deadly force in this incident is a clear violation of department policy and directly contradicts multiple aspects of our use of force training. As a result, the department moved earlier today to terminate Officer Remington.

Please note that this entire incident is being reviewed by the Pima County Attorney’s Office. Because of this, we are not able to comment further. As the investigation moves forward, we will provide additional details as they become available.”

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