Nearly two years after Malcolm Johnson was fatally shot during an altercation with Kansas City police officers, prosecutors announced no charges will be filed against the officer.
The St. Louis County Prosecutor’s Office made the decision after Jackson County prosecutors cited a conflict of interest in handling the case.
“We regret the loss of Mr. Johnson’s life, as well as the injury to the police officer who also was shot in the incident, and regardless of the legal conclusions, any loss of life and injury to an officer is tragic,” Christopher King, a spokesman for the prosecutor’s office said in a written statement.
The shooting unfolded on March 25, 2021, at the BP gas station at 63rd and Prospect Avenue. Witness and surveillance videos show two officers approach Johnson, 31, with their guns drawn and grab him.
A struggle ensues as more officers try to restrain him on the ground and then shots ring out.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the shooting and alleged Johnson fired a shot at an officer who returned fire.
But the videos raised questions about what happened. And several experts identified missteps throughout the confrontation: Johnson did not have a chance to surrender when the officers cornered him in the store and bystanders were put in danger.
Community activists also expressed concern about excessive force and questioned why deadly force was used on a man who was restrained.
On Feb. 21, organizers with It’s Time 4 Justice said the long investigation process has resulted in a lack of answers, justice and closure for Johnson’s family.