"I'm scared for my kids:" Tensions run high at meeting addressing fatal officer-involved shooting in Racine

 

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- An emotional meeting took place just days after Racine Police officers shot and killed a man who they say ran from a traffic stop.

City officials gave community members the chance to have their voice heard as the investigation gets underway.

People were able to vent but they also raised a lot of questions. Many left without answers because while the DOJ investigates, city leaders say they cannot respond. The mayor and city leaders, however, say they will get answers for the people who demanded them during the meeting.

It was standing room only in Racine's council chambers. For more than two hours, a diverse group of community members demanded change on behalf of Donte Shannon. 

Racine Police say on Wednesday, officers Chad Stillman and Peter Boeck pulled Shannon over near 14th and Park. They say he ran, showed a gun, and was shot multiple times.

"Why do we run? Because we are scared," one meeting attendee said.

"I am scared, and I'm scared for my kids," another meeting attendee said.

The two officers considered veterans on the force are on administrative leave as the state DOJ investigates. Some community members believe this is a clear case of excessive force.

While they acknowledge Shannon's criminal history, they focused on him being a man who just got engaged two weeks ago and a father who leaves behind a young daughter.

"He was a good person who would give you anything they have," said Isaac Shannon.

Many community members made it clear that they plan to continue to make their voices heard. The Chief of Police asked the people of Racine to be peaceful.