NAACP to Investigate Officer-Involved Shooting at Walmart

DAYTON -- The Dayton branch of the NAACP is investigating the August 5 fatal shooting of John Crawford III by police inside a Beavercreek Walmart store. NAACP Dayton branch president Derrick Foward says the branch has been in close contact with Crawford's parents and their lawyer after they filed a formal complaint with the NAACP the day after the shooting. The branch also says they have requested the security video of the shooting, viewed by the family and attorney, and says Attorney General Mike DeWine has confirmed the tapes will be released to the NAACP before the public as part of their investigation. The Dayton NAACP has also requested numerous policies of the Beavercreek Police Department, including any amendments made to those policies over the last 30 days. The organization applauded DeWine's announcement that the case will be heard by a grand jury on September 3, but added they will continue their investigation in close contact with the Crawford family until they feel justice has been served. "Once the NAACP has been afforded an opportunity to witness the video tapes for ourselves, then we will take an official position on whether or not we would like to see the officers involved in this shooting be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Foward said.